The Malawi government on Wednesday, has launched rehabilitation works for the 700-hectare Lweya Irrigation Scheme in Nkhata Bay District.
Speaking to URS during the launch, Deputy Minister of Agriculture Benedicto Chambo, said the K30 billion project is going to be implemented through Green Belt Authority (GBA), and this initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to refresh loafing irrigation schemes across the country to ensure year around food production.
Chambo further urged the contractors to engage local people (community members) in non-skilled labour tasks to promote ownership and long-term sustainability of the project.
In his reaction, the Green Belt Authority Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Erick Chidzungu, thanked the community for their cooperation, saying it marks a shift in mindset towards embracing irrigation farming.
In his speech Senior Chief Malanda, hailed the government for reviving the scheme, saying farmers had long awaited its return.
The Lweya Irrigation Scheme is one of several large-scale schemes targeted for rehabilitation under the government’s effort to increase agricultural resilience through irrigation development and is expected to be completed in a period of 12 months.