Mzimba’s vast size is making it harder for residents to access essential public services, with long distances and poor roads adding to the burden. A pressure group now wants the district split into smaller administrative units to bring services closer to the people.
The Mzimba Advocates for Division says the government should first consider upgrading the district to town council status before dividing it into several districts.
The group’s chairperson, Samuel Lwara, has told the media in Mzuzu that Mzimba continues to lag behind in development because of its vast geographical size, describing the challenge as one that dates back to the colonial era.
Lwara said the district’s large size has made it difficult for communities to access essential social services, with long distances and poor road networks further worsening the situation.
He argued that dividing Mzimba into smaller administrative districts would bring public services closer to the people, making it easier for communities to access government facilities and other essential services within reasonable walking distances.
The group believes that the proposed changes would improve service delivery and promote balanced development across the district.
However, proposals to divide Mzimba have faced opposition from the Ngoni Chief M’mbelwa, who has repeatedly maintained that territorial division should be considered only as a last resort.
The traditional leader has warned that splitting the district could undermine the unity of the Ngoni people, raising concerns about the cultural and social implications of the proposed changes.
The debate over Mzimba’s administrative boundaries therefore continues to centre on balancing the need for improved public service delivery and development with the preservation of the Ngoni people’s unity and territorial identity.
The government’s position on the latest proposal was not provided in the available information.
