President Lazarus Chakwera has reiterated the need for Malawians to unite to develop the country.

He made the call yesterday at Lunzu Trading Centre in Blantyre where he stopped to address people as he was travelling back to Lilongwe after a two-week tour of duty in the Southern Region.

Chakwera said: “I would like to plead with you that we are all Malawians. It does not matter whether we hold different creeds or political aspirations.

Chakwera addresses people at Lunzu in Blantyre

“As long as we are Malawians, we are all under one Malawian flag. And as such, I urge you to help develop this country.

“I may be Malawi Congress Party president, but my aspiration is to work with all political leaders in the Tonse Alliance and even those in the opposition. I do not want to kill their political parties, but to unite all Malawians.”

He also urged Malawians not to hold grudges against people of other political parties, but to work together to develop the country.

The President said he was aware of the challenges Malawians are going through and that the Tonse Alliance administration will put in place measures to lessen the impact through the Social Cash Transfer Programme and National Economic Empowerment Fund (Neef) loans, among other interventions.

He said: “If you are in groups of five or 10 and have a viable business plan, Neef will give you loans to start businesses.

“Neef loans are better than commercial banks’ because their interest rates are lower.”

Chakwera said Neef is well managed with a 70 percent repayment rate and this ensures that more Malawians can access its loans.

He also said his government plans to increase social cash transfer beneficiaries.

In the Southern Region, Chakwera carried out a number of engagements, including handing over houses to police officers in Mangochi, launching the National Youth Service in Neno, opening the National Data Centre and the National Anti-Corruption Conference in Blantyre.

The President also opened the 32nd Malawi International Trade Fair in Blantyre.

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