One of the concerned citizens in Machinjiri Township who is also a well-known businessman Alex Chimwala has urged youths in the township to develop a heart of ownership in every development project happening in the area.

Chimwala said this on Saturday when he led the youths around area 2 in Machinjiri in renovating Namilango Primary School Ground which is not in good shape as a result of heavy rains experienced in the past three weeks.

Speaking after the exercise Chimwala said as a citizen of Machinjiri he has the responsibility of taking care of every public infrastructure hence the exercise.

“ I have the capacity to bring the machine to do the exercise that these youths were doing but I said no let me mobilize the youths who mostly use this ground for various activities such as football and netball.

“This will make them develop a heart of ownership and next time they will not wait for someone to do this for them,” said Chimwala.

He then appealed to the government of President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera to consider constructing a youth centre in the area.

“As you are aware Machinjiri has no Youth Centre as is the case with other townships in the country as a result I will make Namilango Primary School Ground as a makeshift youth centre. I will bring in basketball court, volleyball court and this will help youths around Machinjiri to be busy,” Chimwala added.

On his part one of the youths identified as Noel Jamama Kamba, owner of Peoples Soccer Giant Football team hailed Chimwala’s effort in developing grassroots football in the area.

“Am very grateful for Mr. Chimwala’s for this exercise. We the youths in Machinjiri we are facing a lot of challenges when it comes to doing sporting activities as many football grounds are in bad shape and what has happened to us this morning is an eye opener to us and from now onward we will be renovating the ground ourselves,” said Kamba.

Chimwala is currently sponsoring a football League in Machinjiri to the tune of MK500,000 and a total of 16 teams are taking part.

The league is scheduled to be concluded on March 31, 2024.