People from Traditional Authority (TA) Nyambi in Machinga recently destroyed and stole property of anewly constructed solar powered irrigation worth over K55 million, claiming it was causing children to collapse in the area.Deputy Police Public Relations Officer (DPRO) for Machinga Police Station, Sergeant Ngwashape Msume confirmed the developments, saying the incident took place on March 22, 2020 where residents from Senior Chief Nyambi mobilized themselves and damaged the irrigation scheme.She said community members claimed that misfortunes started way back in 2018 when government through climate proofing project was constructing Ulongwe Irrigation Scheme in the area.“One woman, Daina John of Mapiri Village in the area of TA Nyambi in Machinga District died when agalvanized pipe landed on her chest whilst she was offloading pipes from the vehicle,” DPRO recalled.She said some learners from Malundani Primary School, which is close to the scheme, have been collapsing and getting unconscious mysteriously.“One of the girl who collapsed told community members that she was pick by the Ms John, a woman who died at the scheme site,” Msume explained.She added that was the reason why community members demolished the irrigation scheme, saying the scheme was causing girls to collapse.The DPRO said so far no arrest has been made as they were still investigating the case.Meanwhile Machinga Public Relations Officer (PRO), Patrick Ndawala confirmed to have received reports on the incident.He described the incident as very unfortunate, saying the district was trying its best to improve thelives of people by initiating programs such as the establishment of irrigation schemes.Ndawala said the project was implemented in Mangochi and Machinga Districts from 2015 to 2019 to the tune of US$ 5,180,200.“The scheme is one of the fruits the District benefited from Climate Proofing Project. We constructed such schemes in TA Mlomba, Nyambi and Chikweo.It is just unfortunately that community members from this area have decided otherwise,” the PRO said.The stolen items included solar installation valued at K12 million, two water pumps, 16 solar panels, two batteries, two charging systems, four wheelbarrows and galvanize pipes.#Source; MANA
