Machinga District Council has committed K489.9 million towards the reconstruction of Nayuchi Police Unit, nearly two years after angry community members torched the facility following a misunderstanding with police officers.
The reconstruction project is expected to restore police presence and strengthen security at Nayuchi, a strategic border area connecting Malawi and Mozambique.
Speaking during the handover of the site to the contractor on Wednesday, Machinga East Member of Parliament and Second Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Esther Jolobala, said the development marks an important step towards restoring security and promoting peace along the border.
Jolobala said communities at Nayuchi faced numerous challenges in accessing security services, noting that the reconstruction of the police unit through the reformed Constituency Development Fund (CDF) will help improve security in the border area.
She said CDF has the potential to transform communities and support national development aspirations if properly managed and implemented through coordinated efforts.
“Working together in development initiatives helps foster unity among people regardless of their political differences. As leaders, we will continue to equip communities with the right knowledge so that they refrain from violence and unlawful actions,” she said.
She called on community members and the police to maintain a cordial working relationship to promote peace and ensure successful implementation of development initiatives.
Machinga Police Station Officer, Senior Superintendent Petrol Mkokamasa, said duty bearers and community leaders have a responsibility to educate rural communities on their civic rights and responsibilities.
He observed that incidents of mob justice indicate gaps in civic awareness.
He, therefore, emphasised the need for sustained community sensitisation on established structures and procedures for resolving grievances.
Mkokamasa urged communities to use appropriate channels to seek redress instead of resorting to violence.
Mchinguza Area Development Committee Chairperson, Cosmas Dyton, assured stakeholders that the community will embrace dialogue in resolving disputes to promote peace and sustainable development.
The reconstruction is expected to be completed within 90 days.
