President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has commended Blantyre City Council for working tirelessly to address various challenges it faces.
The President was speaking at Sanjika Palace on Sunday during an audience with ward councilors from Blantyre City.
He said Blantyre is a well located city which must be made a hub of commerce for this part of Africa.
The Malawi leader said he is encouraged that the city council is
working hard to rectify the difficulties it is facing.
He said Blantyre City is the pride of the country and that status must be maintained by among other things rejuvenating the city’s industrial sector, building an international bus station and a modern airport.
The President then challenged city authorities to use resources prudently for the common good of the public.
Chakwera also expressed worry over the tendency by some people who abuse court processes for their own benefit.
The President gave an example of the ‘Red Star’ campaign which has not progressed well because property owners who obtained court injunctions stopping the demolition of archaic buildings in the city.
For the City Council, the meeting was an opportunity to inform the President the challenges that the city faces.
During the meeting among others the Blantyre City Council disclosed that they intend to introduce a metropolitan police service and procure 10 fire engines so as to respond with speed in cases of fire accidents.