What a simple market can do in Mwanza

The European Union Micro-Projects Programme has handed over two structures to Mwanza Central constituents in Southern Malawi , raising the infrastructural outlook of a market that has not been renovated since 1982.
Mwanza, formerly Blantyre West constituency, became a district in 1972, but has lacked proper market infrastructure as the district’s main market maintained a make-shift status.
The structures’ handover also marks the end of the Fourth Phase of the EU Micro-Projects programme. EU officials say work would continue in 2010, when the Fifth Phase of the initiative takes effect.
The programme has helped transform the face of many micro-structures in Malawi , increasing access to markets and hither to inaccessible rural areas.
Member of Parliament for Mwanza Central, Nicholas Dausi, has hailed the development. He said the new structures could mark the beginning of new development initiatives for the people of Mwanza district.
“Mwanza is a border district and, therefore, deserves to be looked after well. Remember, first impressions last. This, exactly, is what the EU Micro-Projects Programme has helped us do: we have up lifted the face of our district,” said Dausi.
Mwanza is renowned for its fruit products, including tangerines and oranges. A myriad of small, community fruit processing plants is fast becoming a main facet of the district, with the technical and financial assistance from the One Village One Product (Ovop).
Ovop is an initiative adopted from Japan . Former Malawi Ambassador to Japan , John Chicago, was instrumental in brining the intiative home.