LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)–President Peter Mutharika’s Government has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating the completion of the Nthola-Ilola Irrigation Scheme under the Greenbelt Authority (GBA), saying the project is crucial to boosting Malawi’s agricultural productivity.

Chief Advisor to the President on Manifesto Implementation, Henry Mukhuna, made the assurance on Thursday during an engagement meeting with key stakeholders of the project in Karonga District.

Mukhuna said the scheme remains a cornerstone in transforming Malawi’s agriculture sector, emphasizing that the new administration is prioritizing its rapid completion.

“I would like to register the government’s commitment to support this project, and assure you that government will hold GBA’s hand in completing it. This is the first project we are visiting since the establishment of our unit, and that alone should signal its importance,” he said.

He noted that the project aligns with the administration’s ambitions of achieving food security and generating wealth through large-scale rice production and export.

“We will deliver a clear message to the President about the progress made so far and the people’s eagerness to see this project completed,” he added.

Mukhuna also indicated that the Manifesto Implementation Unit would explore additional funding opportunities, including tapping into the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), to fast-track the scheme’s completion.

Earlier, Principal Group Village Headwoman Mwangolera appealed to government to maintain its support, describing the project as the future of Karonga’s rice industry.

“This project is a game changer for the rice community of Karonga and Malawi as a whole. We ask for continued support from the new administration,” she said.

Paramount Chief Kyungu echoed similar sentiments, applauding the Greenbelt Authority for the progress made so far. He emphasized the need for steady government funding to sustain both the pace and quality of work being delivered.

The Greenbelt Authority is developing a 1,000-hectare rice scheme and constructing a multi-billion kwacha rice processing factory poised to transform Karonga’s rice production.

Currently, the Authority has completed 370 hectares of the farmland.

The Maravi Post