Mzimba, MALAWI – Constituency Development Committee (CDC) Chairperson for Mzimba Central Constituency, Pearson Mbulo, has cautioned communities against engaging in romantic relationships with contractors and workers implementing Reformed Constituency Development Fund (RCDF) projects.
Mbulo said contractors and construction workers are mobile, moving from one area to another after completing projects, and warned that relationships with them could expose families to social and health risks.
He was speaking on Wednesday when M’mbelwa District Council launched three RCDF projects at Euthini in Mzimba.
The projects include upgrading of Euthini Rural Hospital, completion of Euthini Police Unit and construction of Kwemani Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centre.
Mbulo said communities should avoid relationships with people they hardly know, saying such relationships could contribute to family break-ups and expose people to diseases.
“Let us avoid relationships with people we hardly know. We risk breaking up families because of visitors who come to work in our communities. We also need to protect ourselves against diseases and other social problems that may arise from such relationships,” he said.
He also urged contractors to prioritise quality workmanship and ensure that projects meet required construction standards.
M’mbelwa District Council Director of Public Works Sidney Chiphaka said communities should consider all components of a project when assessing its cost.
He said the construction of Kwemani ECD Centre, for example, includes a caregiver’s house, community-based childcare centre, kitchen, separate toilets for caregivers and children, and a solar-powered reticulated water supply system, all valued at K1.1 billion.
“So, when someone looks at the figure, please look at all the components of the project to avoid having a wrong perception that the amount is too high,” Chiphaka said.
The three projects have a combined value of more than K4 billion.
Sub-Inspector Beatrice Kafukiwe of Euthini Police Unit welcomed the council’s decision to complete the police facility, saying it would provide officers with a more spacious working environment.
Director of Health Services for Mzimba District Hospital, Dr Prince Chirwa, said upgrading Euthini Rural Hospital would improve the area’s capacity to respond to the health needs of its growing population.
Director of Economic Planning and Development Willard Chirwa urged communities to safeguard construction materials against theft to ensure projects are completed without compromising quality.
M’mbelwa District Council Chairperson Joel Nkhata said the council remained committed to improving service delivery through development projects.
“We thank the leadership of Professor Peter Mutharika for introducing the reformed K5 billion CDF programme. Through this, we hope to have many projects, and we hope through these projects we will change the face of many areas in our district,” said Nkhata.