MINISTER URGES ACCOUNTABILITY AND TEAMWORK IN BLANTYRE CITY DEVELOPMENT
The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Honourable Dr. Ben Phiri, has called for accountability and teamwork among stakeholders to ensure sustainable development and improved service delivery in Blantyre City.
Dr. Phiri visited Blantyre City Council on 27 January 2026 to assess progress in service delivery and the implementation of key development projects. Engagements were held at Golden Peacock Hotel and Hotel Amaryllis.
During the visit, the Minister highlighted ongoing road construction works, the Malawi Water and Sanitation Project–1, the Red Star Campaign, and the management of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
He stressed the importance of proper use of public resources and urged councillors and Members of Parliament to work as a team to ensure timely and sustainable development.
“Public resources must be managed responsibly, and all stakeholders must work together to develop Blantyre,” said Dr. Phiri.
The Minister also engaged contractors and the business community, urging adherence to procurement procedures and encouraging initiatives that promote ownership, cleanliness, and development of the City.
Announcing the upcoming Clean Homes Competition, Dr. Phiri noted that the initiative has already attracted a pledge of K5 million.
His Worship Councillor Isaac Jomo Osman, Mayor of Blantyre City, reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to the Red Star Campaign.
“We will institute a task force to ensure that buildings marked with a red star are renovated or demolished and replaced in line with approved standards,” said Mayor Osman.
The Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Dennis Chinseu, presented strategic achievements including revenue growth from MK7 billion in 2023/24 to a projected MK12 billion for 2025/26, reductions in pension liabilities and creditor days, and the development of a 15-year Urban Structure Plan.
He further highlighted major infrastructure initiatives such as four bypass roads, vendor relocations, full utilization of CDF and IDF funds, and ongoing projects including sanitation facility upgrades, cholera response buildings, a two-storey market in Limbe, and the dualisation of Mahatma Gandhi Road.
The visit underscored Government’s commitment to strengthening local authorities, promoting accountability, and fostering collaboration among the Council, elected leaders, the private sector, and residents to ensure Blantyre remains clean, safe, and well-planned.
#TakingtheCityBacktothePeople
