By Steven Godfrey Mkweteza
Government has applauded the Development Aid from people to people (DAPP) for complementing its services through long term social programs in a bid to sustain and expand economic developments towards vulnerable and poor communities in the country.
Regional trade officer for the southern region in the ministry of trade, Noel Sherma, was speaking in Blantyre at the opening of a DAPP fifth retail shop along the MI road at old Kandodo corner shop in Blantyre.
“We are very appreciative to see these organizations helping government in enhancing its social economic profile of our people in Malawi through the provision of commodities that are easy to be accessed by the low income earners,” said Sherma.
The trade officer said over the years DAPP has also helped government in narrowing down the unemployment gap in the country by creating jobs and implementing programs that have been raising the country’s socio-economic profile.
“Through several shop outlets like these countrywide, many people have been employed and others have accessed high quality products at a fair prices to support their lives sustainably,” he said.
DAPP country director Moses Chibwana said, through the new shop, 15 youths have been employed.
Chibwana added that the proceeds from the sales help to finance various projects being implemented by the organization across the country such as Agriculture, education, vocational and health and nutrition.
“The shop will carer the surrounding communities and help us implement our programs across the country. We will make sure that our materials of high quality, durable and of fair prices to cater for the vulnerable people,” said Chibwana.
Chibwana said his organization was not moved by the sprouting of kaunjika business in the country as of recent, saying the development would bring about stiff competition to improve services.
Precious Malaya, a DAPP customer from Mbayani Township joined his customers, expressing happiness at the opening of the new shop.
He said that life will be easy since they will be buying things at a cheaper prices and help the nearby communities to access commodities at a short distance.
DAPP is a non-governmental organization that started its operation across the country in 1995.
Its main aim is to work in solidarity mostly on humanism, Social and Economic development through long term programs.
