Minister impressed with SVTP progress

By Leah Malimbasa

Chikwawa, July 19: Minister of Agriculture Sam Kawale has expressed satisfaction with the progress made on Shire Valley Transformation Project (SVTP).

Kawale was speaking in Chikwawa on Tuesday after inspecting construction works at SVTP sites.

“We have been getting reports that the project is progressing well so I came to appreciate the work on the ground and I am impressed with the works I have seen,” said Kawale.

“I am also happy that the communities have welcomed the project and instead of irrigating a total area of 40,000 hectares as initially planned, the project will extend to 50,000 hectares,” he said.

Kawale reiterated government’s commitment to develop the country through irrigation farming and agriculture commercialization and pledged more support towards the project.

“Malawi 2063 vision is banking on agriculture sector and SVTP is a catalyst for that vision but as you know, the project was affected by natural disasters and an increase in price of materials, however we are discussing with development partners and they are willing to help us to complete the project, government will not fold hands until the project is completed,” he said.

In his remarks, Arnold Islael Chiutsi who is vice chairperson for Mlambe cooperative which is one of the cooperatives expected to benefit from the project, said the SVTP is already preparing them through various trainings on how to run an agro-business and effectively operate a cooperative.

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