A tea producer, Eastern Produce Malawi (EPM) says investing in the the country’s security system, judiciary, education sector and social economic well-being of the community is a sure way of expanding the tea industry. 

The company's Managing Director, David Reynolds has told Zodiak Online on Wednesday that this is the reason the company has constructed Makwasa estate junior primary school, renovated Khwethemule court office and Makwasa police unit in Thyolo to the tune of K200 million. 

 

Reynolds said the company values the relationship it has with security agents, judiciary and community for the tea business to flourish. 

 

"We all rely upon a strong justice system and capable police force including employing the educated children from the surrounding communities.  We are part and parcel of the community, we all live and grow together," he said

 

Senior chief Khwethemule has asked other companies to emulate, further imploring on the community members to desist from stealing the company's property such as trees. 

 

"We are supposed to work with the  companies that have surrounded us. Today we have seen these projects, so we are very much happy," Khwethemule said. 

 

Member of Parliament for Thyolo Thava, Mary Navicha has besides this asked the company to consider scaling up the recruitment of community members in the company as they are facing perennial hunger since they have not harvested enough this year. 

 

Navicha said:"This is one of the Corporate Social Responsibility projects in this area such as, bridges. My other plea is that the company should consider employing many people from here because people are facing hunger". 

 

On his part, Deputy commissioner for South East Police Region, Stain Chaima says all infrastructure in place, he envisions to make the Makwasa police unit into a stand alone police station to serve the company and surrounding communities better. 

 

EPM is also assisting in providing bursary to some needy students in the area, among others.