GOVT SET TO RESUME IMPLEMENTATION OF PROJECTS UNDER GREENBELT INITIATIVE

By Chilenje Chilenje 

Government has reassured smallholder farmers in the Lower Shire that the projects that have stalled under the Greenbelt initiative since 2016 will be implemented.

Authorities say funding hiccups have frustrated rollout of 20,000 hectares of irrigation projects in Chikwawa and Nsanje districts. 

Speaking when she toured Mwana wa Njobvu and Nyamithambo irrigation schemes in Chikwawa district, Deputy Minister of Lands Abida Mia expressed the Tonse Alliance’s political will to revive the project to transform Malawi’s economy. 

Mia hailed the Greenbelt initiative as a "solution to the country’s economic woes". 

Secretary for Nyamithambo Greenbelt Association Petro Bvumbe urged government to come to the rescue of smallholder farmers by ensuring swift action in revamping the project.