MDA RENOVATES MLARE DISPENSARY IN KARONGA

Mlare Development Association (MDA) has renovated Mlare Dispensary in Paramount Chief Kyungu in Karonga.

The facility, which had become inhabitable because of stench from bats’ urine and excreta, was handed over on Saturday after maintenance works which included putting a new roof, ceiling and painting of the walls.

MDA chairperson Austin Mwenelupembe said the organisation, comprising members from Mlare, gathered resources through a WhatsApp group.

“Our aim is to give back to the community which made us who we are today. So, when we heard that Mlare Dispensary was closed, we came together to save our mothers and fathers from travelling long distances to a hospital,” he said.

Justice and Peace of Karonga Diocese official Lestina Sanga, whose organisation is implementing health governance in the district, asked the community to take good care of the new-look facility.

Karonga Central legislator Cornelius Mwalwanda (Malawi Congress Party—MCP), who was the guest of honor, described MDA as real partners in development.

In a rare gesture of unity of purpose, Mwalwanda praised his predecessor Frank Mwenifumbo, saying he did his part to renovate the health facility by contributing iron sheets.

“Since the facility has running water, my next step will be to lobby partners to construct a maternity wing to upgrade the dispensary to a health centre,” he said.

MDA contributed K1.5 million while the remaining amount came from the Constituency Development Fund.