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Two Malawi markets advance in Mzuzu and Nkhatabay

By , based on Malawi24 and Malawi Voice

Two Malawi markets advance in Mzuzu and NkhatabayIllustrative image · Mad Knoxx Deluxe · Pexels · Licence Pexels

Construction of the Vigwagwa market in Mzuzu and Nkondezi market in Nkhatabay is progressing under the Reformed Constituency Development Fund and Malawi's commercial programme, according to Malawi24 and Malawi Voice. Minister Ben Malunga Phiri said he was satisfied with progress and highlighted expected benefits for hygiene, traders, jobs and local revenues. Malawi Voice also mentioned bridge works in the two districts.

Construction of the Nkondezi market began three months ago, while work on the Vigwagwa market is continuing in Mzuzu, Malawi24 reports. Both projects are being carried out under the Reformed Constituency Development Fund (RCDF) and Malawi's commercial programme. Bridge construction work is also progressing in the Mzuzu and Nkhatabay districts, according to Malawi Voice.

The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Ben Malunga Phiri, inspected several sites on Friday, including the two markets, to assess the progress and quality of the work. He said he was satisfied with the pace of implementation and praised the commitment of the two district councils to meeting deadlines and standards, Malawi Voice reports.

Phiri said the markets should provide cleaner and safer spaces for small and medium-sized entrepreneurs, particularly women and young people. He added that the infrastructure should create jobs, improve hygiene, increase district council revenues and enhance traders' dignity, according to Malawi24 and Malawi Voice.

The minister warned local authorities that the government would tolerate neither unjustified delays nor poor-quality construction. The National Decentralisation Strategy 2026-2036 will place greater emphasis on the rapid completion of projects and the cost-effectiveness of fund use, with councils to be assessed on their ability to turn allocated resources into tangible achievements, Malawi Voice reports.

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