FUEL CRISIS AFFECTS SHIRE VALLEY TRANSFORMATION PROGRESS

By Chilenje Chilenje 

Authorities at Shire Valley Transformation Programme have revealed that the fuel crisis that has rocked the country is likely to derail the reconstruction of the much-awaited project.

Irrigation Engineer for Shire Valley Transformation Programme, Martin Chizalema, made the remarks in Chikwawa when Tourism Minister, Michael Usi alongside the Deputy Minister of Transport and Public Works, Nancy Chaola Mdooko, made an inspection tour of the project to appreciate the progress of the work.

Speaking in an interview with Timveni, Chizalema lamented the shortage of diesel that has affected their operations.

He added Cyclone Ana also damaged part of the work, but government is doing enough to rectify the problem.

Government, with support from the World Bank, African Development Bank and Global  Environmental Facility, launched the 43,000 hectare Shire Valley Transformation Project which, once completed, will benefit over 28,000 smallholder farmers from Chikwawa and Nsanje. 

Meanwhile, Minister of Tourism, Michael Usi, says government will provide enough fuel for the project so that it is not affected in one way or the other.