The Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), under the Skills for A Vibrant Economy (SAVE) Project, conducted a Grievance Redress Mechanism Training in Dedza on February 15, 2024, as part of preparations for its upcoming construction project.

The training aimed to prepare participants for addressing potential grievances in the construction area before the commencement of on-site activities. Dr. Witness Kuotcha, Chairperson of the MUBAS Grievance Redress Mechanism Committee, emphasized the workshop’s objective to foster collaboration and provide critical information to various stakeholders.

“We have organized this workshop to understand the areas we need to consider before we begin the actual groundwork,” said Dr. Kuotcha.

During the session, Sergeant Mercy Kaputi from the Malawi Police Service at Chitsime Police Station in Lilongwe commended MUBAS for the initiative. She highlighted the importance of engaging the police early, in the process, to enhance collaboration and crime prevention.

“When the construction is underway, the community must know how to prevent crimes and where to address challenges faced at the construction site,” said Sergeant Kaputi. She further assured MUBAS of the police's readiness to ensure security for the project and emphasized the need for community involvement in safeguarding the construction area.

The training brought together officials from MUBAS, the Malawi Police Service, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Gender, and local chiefs, among others. Key discussions focused on issues such as gender-based violence, sexual harassment, and human rights concerns.

This initiative is part of MUBAS's plans to construct a new campus in Nanjiri, Lilongwe, funded by the World Bank through the SAVE Project.