Malawi: Zomba District Council launched construction of a Teacher Development Center (TDC) under the K430 million budget. The funds for the construction have been raised through the District Development Funds (DDF).
The construction has been commissioned in the Mchengawedi Education Zone where Primary Education Advisors (PEAs) have turned a classroom into a TDC for some years.
Mchengawedi Council Chairperson, Blazio Chinthenga, was present at the launch event for the TDC. He said that the Council was committed to providing quality infrastructures in the education sector to attain good education standards.
Chinthenga said the TDC was one such infrastructure that will improve the provision of quality basic education.
“In our district development plans, we have a lot to achieve. We are therefore committed to completing all planned infrastructure projects. Our target is to develop Zomba in all aspects,” the council chairperson.
He said Mchengawedi TDC will be one of the finest structures in the district and the whole Malawi and expressed hope that the facility will create a conducive working environment for teachers and users.
Member of Parliament for Zomba Malosa, Grace Kwelepeta, hailed the government for financing construction of the TDC, describing the development as a positive step towards improved education standards in her area.
“The current PEA is operating in a classroom which is not conducive enough for a person of such a position. It is our hope that this structure will restore the dignity of the PEA and the area which has rich education history,” she said.
While commending the commissioning of the TDC the parliamentarian appealed for the construction of a secondary school which she said would provide secondary education for many children in primary schools in Zomba Malosa.
Senior Chief Malemia has appreciated the Zomba District Council constructing TDC. He has advised community members to desist from stealing construction materials.
“This is our own development; we should own it. Let us guard against theft of materials and let us ensure we get a perfect structure,” the chief said.
Ochibwe Building Contractors were awarded the contract to construct Mchengawedi TDC, according to Zomba District Council, Director of Public Works, Henry Mwamvani.
Mwamvani said among others, the TDC will have a conference hall.