By Andrew Magombo
Blantyre City Deputy Mayor, Isaac Jomo Osman, has taken to his Facebook page to engage residents in an open dialogue about pressing challenges facing the city.
The initiative, took place on September 22, 2024, aimed to address key issues such as motorbike accidents, street children, and street vending, which have become increasingly problematic in Blantyre.
The discussion focused on the rise in motorbike accidents and related killings, allegedly fueled by reckless motorists.
Osman encouraged residents to share their thoughts on possible solutions to curb these incidents.
Additionally, he addressed the growing concern over street children and proposed the need for permanent solutions to this issue.
Street vending was another topic of discussion, with Osman expressing plans to relocate vendors from the city streets to more organized spaces.
Osman also suggested introducing a special taxi service to ensure the safety of patrons and boost the nightclub business, which has been affected by the fear of roadside police checks.
While some question the professionalism of this approach, many Malawians appreciate the opportunity to communicate directly with city officials.
The real challenge lies in how the authorities will act on these discussions to bring about tangible improvements for Blantyre’s residents.