Defence Minister Kaupa Pledges Improved Welfare for Defence Officers

By Ralph Charles Chinomba

Mangochi, May 6, Mana: Minister of Defence, Dr Feston Kaupa, has expressed satisfaction with the water rehabilitation and installation at the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) Navy Unit in Monkey Bay, Mangochi describing the project as essential to the welfare of officers.

The Minister made the remarks Wednesday during the official commissioning and handover of the rehabilitated water reticulation system at the Unit.

He highlighted that the system will solve longstanding water challenges within the base and surrounding communities.

Kaupa said the project demonstrates government’s commitment to providing quality and modern infrastructures and services such as adequate and safe water to the service men and women.

“Government will ensure that the military is well equipped and has quality modern infrastructure.

“Water, accommodation and transportation are common challenges government is trying to address in the ministry,” he said.

He, therefore, commended Southern Region Water Board (SRWB) for its expertise and commitment to successfully implement and complete the project on time.

SRWB Board Chairperson, Engineer Hutch Mthinda, said the project commenced following the request by the Ministry of Defence to rehabilitate and upgrade the system due to leakage and longstanding water supply challenges within the MDF encampment.

According to Mthinda, works included rehabilitation of pipelines, upgrading and installation of prepaid meters to enhance the accounts for water management.

“As of now, we have already witnessed reduced leakages, improved pressure and better accountability at the base and the surrounding areas, ” he said.

The project was funded by the Ministry of Defence. Similar works have been implemented at Changalume and Cobbe Barracks in Zomba.