By George Bulombola
Minister of Labour, Skills and Innovation, Joel Chigona, on Wednesday, expressed satisfaction with the progress of construction projects aimed at creating more space for increased student enrolment and the introduction of additional courses in training institutions under his ministry.
Chigona said this in Mzuzu after inspecting construction works for additional workshops at Mzuzu Technical College and Sonda Community Skills Development Centre under the Skills for a Vibrant Economy programme being implemented with support from the World Bank and the Government of Malawi.
“My visit to these institutions testifies to the government’s commitment to monitoring the implementation of development projects to ensure that they are delivered on time, within the budget and to the required standards.
“I am impressed with the progress that has been registered so far; however, let me emphasize on the importance of maintaining high standard work to ensure the structures are worth value for money, as substandard work will not be tolerated,” said Chigona.
He added that once completed, the workshops will significantly enhance the capacity at both institutions to deliver high-quality training and increase access to technical skills training, hence contributing to a skilled and competent workforce for the country.
The minister then urged close monitoring of the projects so that contractors deliver quality infrastructure that meets government aspirations in empowering young people with technical skills.
“The investment in these projects is not just about buildings; they are about transforming lives, hence this intervention should be handled with seriousness so that we achieve the desired results,” he added.
He said that expansion of the facilities comes at a critical time when government is emphasising technical skills development, which is a key to unlock economic growth and job creation for improved livelihoods.
“President Arthur Peter Mutharika always says that if we do not have skills, there is no way that we are going to develop this country, hence the need to invest in technical skills development.“We therefore want to have young people who are well trained and qualified in marketable skills, and to achieve this, government plans to have community technical colleges within all constituencies as mandated by the Democratic Progress Party manifesto,” said Chigona.
Acting Principal for Mzuzu Technical College, Precious Katete said that the institution’s expansion endeavours respond to one of the pillars of Technical Entrepreneurial and Vocational Education and Training, which emphasises increasing access to technical skills training.
“For Malawi to be a predominantly producing and exporting nation, we need to invest in such skills,” said Katete.
The SAVE Project aims at increasing equitable access to market-relevant skills training.
