Chombe community bemoans poor relations with plantation
People of Chombe area in Traditional Authority (T/A) Timbiri in Nkhata Bay District have accused Vizara Rubber Plantation of not giving back to the community.
This was said on Wednesday at an interface meeting organised by Church and Society of the CCAP Synod of Livingstonia under its project of promoting transparency and accountability system for influencing quality.
The locals, through the Malepa Village Development Committee (VDC) chaired by Jefferson Sichinga, said they expected better from the company.
“We asked the plantation to help us construct a bridge, to no avail. But when another organisation helped us construct the bridge, the rubber company is now using it as well,” said one of the VDC members Evelyn Banda.
The locals also expressed frustration over denied access to the company’s clinic, yet the area is 22 kilometres away from Nkhata Bay District Hospital.
“Yes the company has constructed under five clinics in the area, but we would also like to access health services from the clinic. However, it is only for their workers and it takes a limit of five children only,” said Sichinga.
Although the company’s representative at the meeting, head of security Alfred Chiumia, explained how the company is benefitting them; the locals did not take it.
“You are only picking out the bad part leaving out the good things. Why are you basing your arguments on the past? The company offered to help in giving you transport for the construction of a community day secondary school,” he said.
