Independent aspiring Member of Parliament for Mulanje Central Constituency, Rhoda Gadama, has highlighted a vision to transform the area into a constituency of excellence through development-oriented leadership.
She made the remarks during the launch of her manifesto at Mitochi Secondary School in Traditional Authority Chikumbu, where she pledged to prioritize the real needs of the people if elected in the September 16 general elections.
Gadama told the gathering that her leadership will be anchored on transparency, inclusivity and modernized approaches to development.
She further stressed that her focus will not be on personal enrichment but on practical solutions that respond to community needs.
“The moment you empower me through your votes, I will make sure I address the actual needs of the constituency, rather than focusing on developments that are not in line with what the community truly requires,” she said.
Unveiling her manifesto, Gadama outlined a wide-ranging agenda covering multiple sectors.
On economic empowerment, she pledged to provide individual soft loans, establish farming clubs, roll out a goat pass-on project, introduce a sports academy and support youth through skills training.
She said food security would be enhanced through the provision of farming materials and irrigation equipment, expansion of irrigation schemes, introduction of hybrid seeds and improved access to fertilizer.
On health, Gadama committed to providing mobile clinics, establishing new health centres and ensuring clean water for all through piped systems and borehole drilling.
Her education plan includes material support for students, lobbying for scholarships, setting up a nursery school special fund and initiating back-to-school campaigns for dropouts.
She also promised to introduce adult schools and increase material support for women.
The independent candidate further pledged to establish ICT centres that would help young people with job hunting, scholarship applications and networking opportunities.
On social support, Gadama said the elderly and people with disabilities would receive assistance in the form of housing, food, bedding and other essential items.
Her infrastructure plan focuses on constructing bridges, school blocks, teachers’ houses, a community youth centre and shelters for chiefs, as well as maintaining primary and secondary roads.
She also committed to sustainable development through tree planting, tree preservation and the promotion of the 3Rs: reduce, reuse and recycle.
Community members welcomed her pledges, with Misheck Matabwa of Ntalawa Village commending Gadama for already initiating development projects without holding public office.
“For a long time, our area has been sidelined when it comes to constituency development. However, Rhoda has already brought significant changes even though she is not yet in power. Other candidates should emulate her example,” Matabwa said.