Malawi: Central Province Permanent Secretary Milner Mwanakapwe announced that the government is constructing dams and water reservoirs in the province. The aim of the construction of the structures is to increase the efforts for rain water harvesting.
The dams will be constructed at selected locations across the district. The new structures will also help in the development of several other aspects of the country. Mwanakampwe said this would help farmers engage in winter maize farming in view of climate change.
The climate crisis is leading to reduced rainfall and thus a weak agriculture output. The permanent secretary shared his views on the new development. He was delighted to note that the government was taking significant interest in pursuing the development of the province.
The construction of the dams will help improve the nation’s agriculture sector. The Permanent Secretary, Milner Mwanakapwe was speaking about the developments in a radio interview in Kabwe.
During the event, he also highlighted the other development projects that the government has undertaken to benefit the people.
He stated that the Chibila, Kandesha, Nangoma, and Changula dams in the Shibuyunji and Mumbwa districts have been made operational. Other dams that are currently under construction are Mkushi Dam and Mbaswa Dam in Serenje.
The Permanent Secretary further announced that the Government was also in the process of constructing dams in Kapiri Mposhi district, Ngabwe district and Kabwe Districts.
The aim of the initiative is to enhance and support the ongoing water harvesting projects.
“We have a lot of farmers in Chisamba who are into winter cropping, cultivation is done throughout the year because of the Momboshi Dam.” said Mr Mwanakampwe.
He added that the Government was also considering acquiring solar panels which would be used to power submersible pumps. The administration is playing their part in making the province more climate conscious and climate resilient.
The government is prioritizing the construction of the dams as the structures will be helpful in combating several issues in the country, chief among them being the hunger crisis.