By Burnett Munthali
At Bangula, former President His Excellency Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika reiterated his commitment to transforming the Lower Shire into an economic powerhouse, emphasizing that his dream has always been to unlock the potential of Nsanje and Chikwawa districts.
Speaking to a crowd of supporters and community members, President Mutharika acknowledged the difficulties that Malawians, particularly those in Nsanje, are currently facing. He expressed his awareness of the numerous programs aimed at building local resilience in the Lower Shire that have been halted under the current administration.
Mutharika criticized President Lazarus Chakwera’s government, stating that it has exposed the people of the Lower Shire to extreme poverty, a situation that is now undeniable to all. He blamed the current leadership for neglecting development initiatives that were set in motion during his presidency.
“I am deeply concerned about the suffering that the people of Nsanje and the Lower Shire are going through today. Under my leadership, we initiated projects aimed at improving the lives of the people in this region, but many of them have been abandoned,” Mutharika said. “This is not just a political issue, it is a humanitarian crisis that requires urgent attention.”
In his address, Mutharika reaffirmed his vision for the establishment of Bangula University, which he described as a critical step toward improving educational opportunities in the Lower Shire. The proposed university would be the first higher learning institution in the area and is seen as a key component of the region’s development strategy.
“Education is the backbone of any society. If we want to truly transform the Lower Shire, we need to invest in education. The establishment of Bangula University will create opportunities for the youth, empower communities, and contribute to long-term economic growth,” Mutharika explained.
The former president expressed dissatisfaction with the current administration’s handling of progress in the Lower Shire, pointing out that several initiatives he had started had either been delayed or scrapped entirely. He urged those who had left the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for other political parties, including the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and UTM, to return to their political home, saying the DPP was the party best suited to bring about meaningful change in the region.
“It’s time to rebuild the Mighty DPP. We need to unite, work together, and restore the party’s strength. We cannot afford to be divided if we want to see real change in Nsanje, Chikwawa, and the rest of Malawi,” Mutharika asserted.
His speech resonated with many residents of Bangula and surrounding areas, who have long awaited the promised improvements in infrastructure, education, and healthcare. As the 2025 elections approach, Mutharika’s call for unity and his vision for a revitalized Lower Shire are expected to play a significant role in shaping the political landscape in the region.
