By Kennedy Minjale and Ireen Mseteka
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Councillor for Chizumulu North Ward, Justina Phiri has been elected as the new Chairperson for Likoma District Council, becoming the first woman to hold the position in the district’s history.
Phiri was elected on Monday during a council election where an independent councillor for Likoma South Ward, Ernest Gulu, was also elected as vice chairperson for the council.
After taking her oath of office, she called on all councilors and council officials to work together in advancing the district’s development agenda.
“We are in a period of development, and it is important that we all work together to develop our district,” said Phiri.
She stressed the need for cooperation between leaders and community members, urging open dialogue whenever challenges arise to maintain unity and progress.
“Without the people, we are nothing. Let us work together, and if things are not going well, let us speak to one another and move forward together,” she added.
District Commissioner for Likoma, Abubakar Nkhoma, said the council was pleased to have new leadership in place, noting that several pending issues could now be handled with a fully constituted council.
“Between July and now, we did not have a full council because the previous cohort’s mandate had ended. With the new leadership in place, we expect pending business to be concluded,” said Nkhoma.
He commended the councilors for their choice, saying Phiri’s election demonstrates genuine affirmative action and increased recognition of women’s leadership in Likoma District.
Nkhoma further encouraged Phiri to work closely with all council structures to ensure effective coordination and successful implementation of development initiatives across the district.
Phiri is the first woman to be elected both as a councillor and as council chairperson since the establishment of Likoma District Council.
