National Bank donates K1m to Karonga Museum

National Bank (NB) of Malawi has donated K1 million (US$2 409) to Karonga Museum to meet costs of rehabilitating the museum’ roof.

Making the donation on Friday at the Karonga National Bank branch where the bank held a cocktail to interact with its customers on various services it offers, the bank’s chief executive officer George Partridge said they believe in promoting culture and the museum is vital in preserving culture and keeping things of historical value.

He said being a Malawian bank, the National Bank felt it had the obligation to donate to the museum which is one of the tourist destinations in the country.

“They approached us to assist them with K1 million for the roof. So we have met their request. We felt duty bound to donate as you know that it is a structure of high value not only to people here but the whole country.

“They are keeping various items that are of historical value so there is need to keep those things in a safe place,” said Partridge, while also calling on the public to support the museum by patronising the facility. He said the museum has amazing displays such as the dinosaur skeleton.

Karonga Museum manager Winston Mwagomba said the museum needs about K30 million to rehabilitate the roof which is collapsing.

He said the museum’s roof is made of plastic material which cannot withstand the searing Karonga weather. He said due to the heat, the roof is cracking and leaks during rainy season.

“When they were building the roof, they wanted the roof to have a shape of a dinosaur so they had to use sheets that would easily fit. We thought the roof would be intact for several years, but due to the weather conditions, it is getting damaged,” said Mwagomba.