Acting secretary for the Catholic Development Commission in Malawi (CADECOM) under the Archdiocese of Lilongwe, Madalitso Chilalire, has expressed satisfaction with the progress of cooperatives under the Securing Sustainable Livelihood for 2,000 Subsistence Fishermen at Lake Malawi project.
Chilalire shared his excitement Wednesday during a monitoring visit to the Makwasa Fish Farming Club, Namauta Irrigation Scheme, and Nakalezi Cooperative in Salima District.
CADECOM is implementing the project with funding from BMZ through Sign of Hope, which is phasing out this month.
The project is focused on securing sustainable livelihoods for 2,000 subsistence fishermen and farmers in the region.
The secretary has called on members of the cooperatives to find other sources of funding to sustain the initiated projects.
“I have called on members of these cooperatives to find other ways of getting finances for sustainability,” he added.
Acting Chief Planning Officer for Salima District Council, Joana Chitaya, applauded CADECOM’s initiative, stating that it aligns with the Malawi 2063 development goals.
Chitaya highlighted that even though the project is phasing out, the district has plans in place to support the initiatives.
“Let me assure the cooperatives that the government has put plans in place to support such initiatives so that they are well-sustained,” she said.
Chairperson for the Namauta Irrigation Scheme and representing the three cooperatives, Langton Sayinani, said CADECOM has changed their lives through the support they have provided.
Sayinani then urged the government to provide full support for the project to ensure its sustainability.
“Let me ask the government to support us through loans so that we can continue with the projects,” he added.
By Dumayo