Government Tracks Progress on Shire Valley Transformation Programme

By Petro Mkandawire

The Office of the Manifesto Implementation Unit, under the Chief Advisor to the President’s Office, has called on stakeholders in Chikwawa District to ensure transparency and accountability in the implementation of the Shire Valley Transformation Programme.

Speaking on Friday during an interface meeting with chiefs, councillors, district council officials and key agriculture stakeholders in Chikwawa, Service Design Engineering Specialist for the Unit, George Matipwiri, said the programme aims to boost food security in the country and, as such, must be implemented transparently.

“Our office is mandated to serve Malawians in line with campaign promises. Since government manifesto projects were made public, their implementation should also be transparent. We should work together peacefully, guided by the presidential vision and with public support,” said Matipwiri.

He added that the Unit is pushing for tangible results from manifesto commitments and is assessing progress to keep President Arthur Peter Mutharika updated, ensuring that the wishes of Malawians are fulfilled.

“This initiative ties into promises of increasing farming enterprises and establishing special economic zones, which will lead to food security in the country,” he added.

The Manifesto Implementation Unit delegation, together with stakeholders, is expected to visit project infrastructure sites from Saturday to Sunday. The tour will cover the Temporary Intake and Main Canal 1, Tiger Fish Barrier, Siphon 3, Spillway location, Water Treatment Plant, Mthumba alignment and siphon, Duckbill Weir to Illovo, and Main Canal 2 up to Mwanza River.

Senior Chief Mulilima commended the Unit for the visit, saying traditional leaders will play a vital role in tracking the project and preventing theft and vandalism to ensure benefits reach all Malawians.

“We will work with stakeholders to safeguard project assets and construction materials. We have been waiting for this project for a long time, and now it is time to bring it to life. Our district is one of those that suffers most when disasters occur, but with this programme we will survive through improved food security,” said Senior Chief Mulilima.

Acting Project Coordinator for the Shire Valley Transformation Programme (SVTP), Limbani Gomani, said that by October, Mwana Alilenji Farm and about 48,000 households will be able to benefit from water sourced from the infrastructure currently under construction.

“The first phase of the programme will be completed this year. Progress may appear slow because we are focusing on constructing high-quality, sustainable and resilient infrastructure that will withstand natural disasters and align with the Malawi 2063 Vision,” said Gomani.

He added that designs were adjusted following cyclone damage, with new structures such as the Tiger Fish Barrier and control walls being introduced to improve sustainability and public safety.

“We are ensuring that quality tests are conducted, engineers approve the works, and any defects are rectified by the contractor at their own cost. Currently, out of the 50-kilometre Phase One canal, 43 kilometres have been completed,” he said.

The Shire Valley Transformation Programme in Chikwawa and Nsanje is a major government initiative aimed at shifting the districts from rain-fed farming to irrigation farming by developing over 43,000 hectares of land. The project seeks to increase farmer productivity, promote commercialization, improve natural resource management through gravity-fed irrigation from the Shire River, and foster economic growth and national food security.