The Urban Development Division at the NLGFC is thrilled with developments especially the Luchenza bus depot. Coordinator of the division, Engineer Joy Pankomera told the NLGFC Newsletter that phase one had ended.

“The first phase is complete which comprised of construction of the Luchenza bus waiting shelter, ablution block, boundary wall with gates, bus bay (gravel finish) and drainage system. The next phase shall involve paving the bus drive way” says Pankomera.

He says this is a carryover project from previous years which was substantially delayed due to land issues. Pankomera says what is more –pleasing is that the first phase has all been funded by the Government of the republic of Malawi.

Asked to comment on what the open challenge fund is, Pankomera says it is, “a funding mechanism for accessing resources co funded by the Government of Malawi and Development Partners to support socio-economic infrastructure and planning projects in all Councils”.

He says funding is accessed through a Call for Proposals in which all Councils are eligible to compete.

The coordinator says the current programme design had envisaged that MK250 million would be funded each financial year by Malawi Government as counterpart funds for implementation of socio-economic projects in all Councils.

The project, which began in January 2017 is expected to close in December 2020.

Pankomera says the design of such projects is meant to contribute to increasing employment and income in rural areas of Malawi along selected value chains, especially for poorer sections of the population.