Balaka communities press for dyke, secondary school

Traditional Authority Matola of Balaka says construction of a sturdy dyke at Nkhwinimba River will cut costs government and other stakeholders pump in to address challenges communities face in recovering from floods in his area.

The chief said this on Saturday in the district, when the communities with support from Catholic Development Commission in Malawi (Cadecom), summoned their legislator for Balaka North Anthony Ngalande to push for initiatives that could help communities to mitigate and adapt to the climate change effects.

In their petition, the communities called for construction of Khwisa Secondary School, saying Balaka Secondary School and other community day secondary schools are failing to accommodate the growing population of learners in the district.

“The construction of Khwisa Secondary School will also reduce pressure on the environment especially forests as most of the youth who fail to get selected to secondary schools venture into charcoal burning which destroys the environment,” he said.

In reaction, Ngalande acknowledged the challenges and said they have huge impact on their lives and the socio-economic development of the country.

“For the secondary school, the challenge was land where the school was to be constructed,” he said.

On his part, Cadecom national office assistant programme officer Aaron Kandiwo Mtaya said there is need to address the impact of climate change.

Cadecom is implementing Climate Challenge Programme Malawi project in the district with support from Scottish Government and Sciaf through Trocaire.