By Chisomo Phiri
Vice President Dr. Michael Usi has assured residents of Chirimba Township in Blantyre of his support,saying he is committed to making them independent and self-reliant.
The Vice President made the remarks on Friday when he visited Maela, Namatete, and Chirimba Zambezi Ground under M’dala and Suya villages in the area.
In his address, Usi disclosed that his initial plan was to visit older people from the area to assess how they are living.
He assured the community of the availability of maize, saying that ADMARC depots in the area will resume operating soon.
He also promised the residents that they will soon start receiving loans from the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF), saying he has invited officials from NEEF to examine the progress and that he will give updates after the meeting.
On his part,Councillor for Michiru ward, Uche Yesaya, commended the Vice President for negotiating with Centenary Bank, which is willing to provide loans without collateral.
Speaking earlier, Village Head Mdala expressed gratitude, saying that his subjects have been neglected for so long.
After the meeting at Maela, Usi distributed wrappers (zitenje) to older women who were present.
The Vice President thereafter visited Suya Village in Namatete, Chirimba Township, where he promised development projects, including the construction of a hospital and some bridges.