Chakwera outlines Northern Region development plan

President Lazarus Chakwera says his government plans to construct the Orton Chirwa International Airport in Mzuzu.

Speaking on Monday during a meeting with councillors and officials from Mzuzu City Council, the President said he is talking to investors to fund the airport project.

“In some cases, we will go out of our way to deliver  projects that are outside the budget, but we promised to do them,” he said.

Chakwera said government will be embarking on these   infrastructural projects through grants and loans with low interest rates.

He also bemoaned that the Northern Region has bigger constituencies than the rest of the country.

“Even the Constituency Development Fund is not sufficient to cater for the constituencies,” said Chakwera.

Touching on financial challenges the city council is facing, he said he will engage the Ministry of Local Government to find ways on how government can assist the council overcome financial challenges.

The council appealed for a K1.8 billion bailout.

Mzuzu City Mayor Kondwani Nyasulu said if assisted, the council will repay the loan.

“The President has agreed to look into our plans and whenever possible, use certain institutions to assist the council,” he said.

In July, the council’s employees staged a sit-in after spending three months without receiving salaries.

The council obtained a K240 million loan from FDH Bank to clear the salary arrears and other outstanding bills.