School block project delay irks communities

Communities in Traditional Authority (T/A) Mwenimisuku in Chitipa District have expressed concern over the delay in completing construction of a school block.

A tour to the site on Tuesday revealed that the project was abandoned five years ago by Northern Region Water Board (NRWB) who initiated it at Nachinganda Primary School as part of their corporate social responsibility.

Area development committee chairperson Goston Kayange described the delay as worrisome.

“For five years, the work is still at roofing level. This is worrisome because the school is struggling to accommodate its 600 pupils,” he said.

Kayange said the situation is worse in the rainy season when pupils are forced to stay  at home.

Evison Kameme, a parent from Misuku, said his children do not feel motivated to go to school because of congestion.

“I ask duty-bearers to take up the project from NRWB for our children to learn in a conducive environment,” he said.

Misuku Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace field officer Alick Gondwe called on the utility body to finish the project.

“The delay has affected learners in the area as the school is within easy reach for  many of them,” he said.

However, NRWB spokesperson Edward Nyirenda attributed the delay to technical hiccups, but was quick to say the project will be completed soon.

“The community should not lose hope as we are engaging relevant authorities on the way forward,” he said.

The nearest school is 10 kilometres away.