Chakwera touts self-reliance

President Lazarus Chakwera says a culture of self-reliance among Malawians is critical to resolving economic challenges facing the country.

Speaking yesterday when he officially inaugurated Bible society of Malawi’s K3.1 billion three-storey Jireh Bible Society House in Area 3, Lilongwe, he said government should not be seen as a solution to every problem.

The President said the state of the country’s economy requires everyone to take part in finding solutions.

He said: “It cannot just be the government that attends to problems devouring our economy. We must all do our part. The more self-reliant we become the more we can each do for the country.

“I know for a nation accustomed to the wrong notion that government is the answer to every problem, and where even we who are politicians promise to solve every problem, self-reliance is not a popular concept.”

The President also urged Malawians to emulate others leading in self-reliance such as the Bible Society of Malawi which has constructed the office complex.

He said: “Being self-reliant is our nation’s destiny. A destiny we must pursue with sacrifice and discipline because that is what will bring dignity to us.

“That magnificent building is a physical example of the Bible Society of Malawi legacy of what self-reliance is. That building will have an impact on the country for generations to come. This is not just a project to be applauded but to be emulated.”

In his remarks, Bible Society of Malawi board chairperson Garry Jumbe said National Bank of Malawi plc financed 80 percent of the construction cost through a loan. He said there was need to pay it back to fully claim ownership of the building.

He said the society needs to raise money to pay back and appealed to government to support it.

Jumbe also asked for an arrangement with Ministry of Education to procure Bibles for secondary school education from the society to enable it raise money.

He said: “Yes, the building is ours, but when you use a loan to construct a building there is a need to pay back the money to redeem the building.”

But Jumbe lamented that the society initially planned to construct a seven-storey building, but due to the location it was limited to a 3-storey building.

He said the society will also be letting out some space as part of income generating.