The Ngoni of Mzimba have asked government to construct a tarmac road to Hora Mountain, saying the area is a tourist destination and should be prioritised in development.
The Ngoni use the area to celebrate their annual cultural festival, Umtheto. The festival brings together Ngonis from various countries and people from other cultures.
As the Ngonis prepare for this year’s event, they have asked government and other stakeholders to consider providing a good road network and other facilities in the area.
Speaking on Friday when the Mzimba Heritage Association (MHA) received a K1 million cheque from TNM in Mzuzu, MHA chairperson Boston Soko said the country is sitting on gold by failing to develop the area.
He said if the site had a good road network many tourists would be visiting it.
“Mount Hora is far from the M1 [Road]. That is why many tourists don’t visit the area. Those who have been there told us we are sitting on gold,” he said.
Soko commended TNM Plc for the donation towards the celebration.
TNM Plc regional distribution manager (North)Yamikani Bakuwa said the company is committed to promoting culture in the country; hence, it has always been supporting such festivals.
He said such festivals help in preserving culture and he called on various cultural groups in the country to preserve culture so that it is passed from one generation to the other.
