Water remains problem in Thyolo—Fariz

Aspiring Thyolo Central legislator Fariz Khamisa, populary known as Fariz has bemoaned the rate at which water is becoming a problem in the area.

In an interview with The Nation on Wednesday, Khamisa, said he would bring in water and sanitation projects.

Fariz is a nephew to former legislator and Cabinet minister Bob Khamisa and will stand on the People’s Party (PP) ticket following his victory during primary polls in the area.

“I have done research and held discussions with local leaders and constituents on what kind of development is needed. What is being said often is that they need water, and infrastructure development is a must,” he said.

Fariz noted that Thyolo Central is facing water problems due to increased population, which he said would be dealt with through collaboration between locals and tea estate owners.

“Tea estates owners should contribute to locals through social responsibility. And I will ensure that tangible development is done by such estates in areas where they are operating so that we also avoid conflicts.

“Allocations from Parliament or government should just be secondary,” said Khamisa.

He said he has sunk several boreholes in the area so that people have water in their homes.

“I am not joining politics for money, but to ensure that money allocated to my area reaches the intended beneficiaries. My area is being robbed of development by selfish politicians. Time has come for them to claim what a member of Parliament is supposed to do for them,” he said.

He added that he would work with ward councillors to champion development.

Fariz, who is expected to face incumbent parliamentarian Kingsley Namakwa of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), claims he has a lot of projects benefiting communities.