Faith leaders and citizens have expressed their approval following the recent announcement by the Minister of Local Government, Richard Chimwendo Banda, to reinstate Dedza’s town council status.
The decision, made during the first parliamentary meeting outside the chamber, reverses the 2010 abolition of the town council by the previous government.
Chairperson of the Dedza District Pastors Fraternal, Bishop Dr McDonald Mtimah, praised the move, calling it a positive change.
Mtima said Dedza lost its town council status due to economic challenges that hindered its operations at the time, despite having infrastructure built as a secondary center to generate income.
“This is a good development, but the government should carry out a comprehensive assessment,” he said.
Former councillor for Dedza Town from the 1980s to the 2000s, Davie Lingalawe, also welcomed the development. He noted that the town’s growth, supported by Dedza Border and Kalinyeke Tollgate, justifies the reinstatement of its town council status.
Similarly, Member of Parliament for Dedza South, Ishmael Onani, urged the Ministry of Local Government to expedite the process, highlighting the social and economic benefits of restoring the town council.
Dedza was first granted town council status in 1978, but the council was abolished in 2010.
