Mhango rallies Rumphi vendors to back DPP in crucial by-election
By Manasse Nyirenda
Rumphi, February 23, MANA: Minister of Transport and Public Works, Jappie Mhango, has called on business operators and voters in Rumphi Central to support the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate, Moir Walita Mkandawire, in the forthcoming parliamentary by-election.
Mhango, who is also DPP Vice President for the North, made the appeal on Sunday during an engagement meeting with vendors at Rumphi Boma.
He said electing a DPP legislator would strengthen the party’s presence in Parliament and ease the passage of Bills aligned to its development agenda.
“As we speak, we already have the President and the government. What we are asking from the people of Rumphi Central is to elect Moir Walita Mkandawire as their Member of Parliament,” Mhango said.
He warned constituents against what he described as making a political miscalculation, saying development efforts require alignment between the Executive and Parliament.
Responding to concerns from vendors over limited access to Malawi Enterprise Development Fund (MEDF) loans, formerly known as NEEF, Mhango said he would take up the matter with the responsible ministry.
He also assured the business community that infrastructure concerns, including the construction of a modern market, could be addressed through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
Mhango noted that the CDF allocation has been increased from K200 million to K5 billion annually, creating more room for development projects at constituency level.
Later, addressing a rally at Bumba Primary School ground, DPP Regional Governor for the North Christopher Mzomera Ngwira said a DPP Member of Parliament would help advance President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika’s development agenda.
Mkandawire told supporters that he understands the economic challenges facing residents, particularly small-scale traders.
He pledged to lobby for an extension of the recently communicated 60-day loan repayment period under MEDF to ease pressure on borrowers.