VP calls for durable infrastructure in councils

Vice-President Saulos Chilima has called on local government councils to ensure quality infrastructure in their respective jurisdictions to minimise effects of disasters.

Speaking when he met councils in the Northern Region on Tuesday and Wednesday, Chilima emphasised the need to promote quality infrastructure in councils, which includes houses, roads, commercial buildings and other structures.

He said buildings should be built with fire-resistant materials to minimise damage when there is fire.

Mzimba district commissioner Thomas Chirwa said the meetings with the Vice-President helped empower the councils to manage disasters better.

Asked if the councils have the resources to improve infrastructure, Chirwa said they have to put in place means of generating revenue to meet operations.

“We sit on wealth. There are a number of things we overlook but can help us generate revenue. With the reforms, we should be able to come up with ways of generating revenue and embark on disaster programmes,” he said.

Mzuzu City Council spokesperson Karen Msiska said the council is already promoting some of the things the vice-president is advancing.

He said the issue of fire resilient markets is already being addressed by the Council and people are being encouraged to use fire-resistant materials. n