National News

Let us talk development—Banda

President Joyce Banda on Sunday said doors to the State House are open for organisations and people who want to contribute to the development of Malawi.

The President said this in Mzuzu when she visited Mzuzu Prison after Synod of Livingstonia of CCAP general secretary the Reverend Levi Nyondo, who once spent nights at the prison, complained of congestion. Mzuzu Prison has a capacity of 200 prisoners (180 males and 20 female), but currently has 447 inmates. Last year, it accommodated 620 prisoners.

Banda said she has no time for people geared at frustrating her development and charity activities. She said God has blessed the country with the spirit of understanding and called on various leaders to bang heads with government to develop the country and improve lives.

Turning to conditions in prisons, she said her government will ensure that prisoners are housed in proper buildings.

As part of her drive in improving conditions at Mzuzu Prison, Banda asked Vice-President Khumbo Kachali and People’s Party (PP) vice-secretary general Harry Mkandawire to help with initiatives to construct a hostel which the two agreed to. They pledged to play a role in a K35 million hostel to house 250 inmates Kachali also pledged a plasma screen for inmates’ entertainment and sugar and beef whereas Mkandawire already donated six cartons of soap.

On her part, Banda donated 500 blankets, 500 packets of sugar, 500 buns and 500 soft drinks. She also presented 10 bags of sugar and 10 bags of rice given by a Mrs Ishmael.

Speaking on behalf of prisoners and churches in the Northern Region, Nyondo said the Mzuzu prisoners hardly sleep due to congestion.

The Livingstonia Synod contributed a bale of sugar and 32 loaves of bread towards feeding of prisoners. The synod also directed that offerings during the service which amounted to K120 130 be used to take care of the prisoners.

Related Articles

Back to top button