In Thyolo’s rolling hilly terrain, where once children learned under trees and dusty thatched shelters, a quiet revolution is unfolding.

At Mbendera Primary School in Traditional Authority Thomas, headteacher Silence Gremu remembers the old days vividly.

“Learners used to brave the scorching sun and heavy rains just to attend classes,” he recalls, gazing at the newly built classroom block shimmering under the afternoon light. “Now, they learn in a proper building. 

Gremu testifies, "More children have returned to school. That’s real change. The school has reduced absenteeism and dropout rates, especially for girls. It’s a game changer for our community.”

The GESD Model of Transformation

This transformation is part of the five-year Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) project, a $140 million (K245 billion) initiative by the Government of Malawi with support from the World Bank.

For four years, GESD has quietly reshaped the face of local governance and infrastructure in districts like Thyolo, funding projects worth nearly K4.1 billion.

Since its launch, GESD has financed game-changing projects in Thyolo District such as Thyolo Boma Primary School — a one-storey block accommodating 240 learners, the first of its kind in the district.

There has also been construction of teachers’ houses at Senga and Nyumba ya M’mwamba Primary Schools, and the Limbe Bridge, which now connects communities from Inkosi Bvumbwe to Chazunda in Blantyre.

The construction of Ngomano, Namatuni, Mikate, and Chilengo Health Centres has greatly improved access to healthcare services.

Health and Hope Restored

Village Head Mikate is full of gratitude for the K134 million Health Post, which has brought essential healthcare closer to hundreds of people.

“We used to lose lives including pregnant women on the way to Khonjeni Health Centre. Women gave birth at home or even in tea fields, and many didn’t survive. Now, people are seeking medical care early, and lives are being saved,” he says.

Markets Reborn: Trading with Dignity

At Ntambanyama Market, small traders now operate from modern shelters, a far cry from the leaking, overcrowded stalls of the past.

“Business is better now. We can store goods safely and attract more customers,” says Esther Zulu, a tomato vendor, smiling as she arranges her baskets.

Senior Chief Khwethemule hailed the government for transforming the market.

“The market is beautiful and has created a good business environment for our vendors. Before, most vendors were plying their businesses in make-shift shops. I will make sure no one damages this market,” he said.

A Beacon of Modern Education

Thyolo Boma Primary School now stands as a proud emblem of progress. Perched near Chibwana area, Senior chief Nchiramwera, the K598 million facility includes four classrooms, disability-friendly access, and a vision for inclusive education.

For years, children from Chibwana walked long distances of over five kilometers to Nakambwe, Nachipere, or Thyolo Catholic Primary Schools. Now, that struggle is over.

Senior Chief Nchiramwera says construction of the upstairs primary school has eased long distances for learners.

“Our children are now learning within their vicinity and in a modern environment,” he said.

Accountability and Local Governance Strengthened

District Commissioner Hudson Kuphanga describes the GESD initiative as “a turning point in local governance.”

“GESD has made our councils more accountable and responsive,” he says. “We can now plan, procure, and execute projects efficiently.”

Currently, under the GESD 4.0 phase, which expires in March next year, Thyolo District has received over K1.5 billion for the construction of Thaboni Market, Khwethemule Health Post, and a Ngomano Secondary School block.

Resilience After Tragedy

Thaboni Market carries deep meaning — in 2024, tragedy struck when a speeding lorry ploughed into street vendors on a market day, injuring several people and claiming multiple lives. The new market will stand as both a memorial and a symbol of resilience for the community.

As part of a broader footprint, GESD’s impact extends beyond Thyolo. In Phalombe, two new market shelters at Mulomba and Chiringa, costing K93 million and K87 million respectively, are improving livelihoods for hundreds of traders.

Phalombe DC Douglas Moffat observes that these structures have boosted hygiene and safety.

“The shelters are more than just buildings; they are tools for economic empowerment,” he said.

The GESD initiative is aimed to improve local authorities' institutional performance, responsiveness to citizens, and resource management. Key mechanisms include a Performance-Based Financing model that incentivizes efficiency and equity, along with direct support to local councils across all 28 districts to improve service delivery in sectors like health and education.

According to the National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGC), since 2020 at least 500 capital investment projects have been implemented across the country.