Ben Phiri Praises Progress on K6.8 Billion Nkhata Bay Market

Malawi’s Local Government and Rural Development Minister Ben Phiri says construction of the Mkondezi Market in Nkhata Bay is advancing faster than expected, and he is pleased with the work completed so far. The project is valued at K6.8 billion and has a planned 12-month construction period. During a visit to the site, Phiri said the market had already taken shape just three months after its foundation stone was laid. He contrasted the visible progress with projects where years can pass after a ceremony without much work being done, and praised the contractor’s pace and workmanship, according to the report. Phiri said President Peter Mutharika had envisioned seven modern markets across the Northern Region to support trade and rural development. Three are now under way, in Mzuzu, Chitipa and Nkhata Bay. The minister also pointed to the government’s performance-based approach, saying projects should be completed within agreed schedules. Delays, he noted, can lead to price adjustments and leave construction exposed to weather challenges. Energyz Construction site agent Daniel Kaunda reported that work on several supporting facilities has progressed: roofing is complete on the ablution block, waste-management area, slaughterhouse and site office. At the main market, the structure has reached ring-beam level, and the team hopes to begin roofing before December. Kaunda added that an early water-supply problem had been resolved with help from the district council. District Commissioner David Gondwe said the council would continue making monitoring visits to check that the work meets the required standards. The council is implementing the project through the Transforming Agriculture Through Diversification and Entrepreneurship Programme, with funding from the International Fund for Agricultural Development.