By Brian Wasili,
Mwanza District Council says it is committed to transforming the face of Mwanza urban into modern town resilient to climate shocks following introduction of an Urban Structure Plan (USP) under the Regional Climate Resilience Programme (RCRP), expected to guide the district’s physical development.
Mwanza District Council’s Director of Planning and Development, Dumisani Chiwala, said during stakeholders engagement meeting on Friday that the programme also seeks to promote sustainable urban growth by ensuring that infrastructure development, land use and service delivery are properly coordinated.
“The USP will serve as a blueprint for Mwanza’s development. It will help the district manage population growth, reduce disaster risks and address challenges linked to climate change, especially in flash flood-prone areas,” he added.
Chiwala stated that USP was part of government’s broader effort through the Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture to strengthen urban planning and resilience in selected districts with support from the World Bank.
The District Council’s Director of Lands and Public Works, Eric Nyekanyeka explained that the sensitization meeting was meant to equip stakeholders with knowledge on how the USP will be formulated and implemented.
“We want all stakeholders including traditional leaders, government departments, players in the private sector and community representatives to take part in shaping Mwanza’s future urban layout. Their input is crucial in identifying settlement patterns, commercial zones and protected areas,” he added.
Nyekanyeka observed that the plan will also guide investments in roads, water systems, waste management and housing with focus on green and climate-smart designs.
In his remarks, Senior Chief Govati commended Mwanza district Council for involving traditional leaders at the initial stage of the process, saying traditional leaders’ participation was relevant as they represent communities.
“This consultation ensures that development is not imposed on the people. It helps us plan settlements that minimise disasters and promote safety for future generations,” he said.
Apart from the Ministry of Local Government Unity and Culture, the RCRP is being implemented in several districts across southern Malawi by various MDAs such as Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, Ministry of Transport and Public Works, Ministry of Water and Sanitation, the Roads Authority, Department of Disaster and Management Affairs, National Local Government Finance Committee to strengthen local capacity for climate adaptation and sustainable urban development.
Once completed, Mwanza’s USP will provide a 10-year framework to guide land use, infrastructure, and environmental management within the district’s growth areas.
