|
|
|
|
| Business |
| Malawians to cash in on rocks |
|
by
Ephraim Munthali, 14 July 2004
-
19:36:52
|
The Department of Geological Survey has embarked on a project to promote the utilisation of Malawi’s semiprecious rocks as an income generating activity.
Eva Chikababwa, the project’s coordinator, said in an interview in Zomba last week the move could help economically empower local Malawians.
Under the project, people are being trained to carve rocks into various sculptures which are later sold.
Presently, 25 individuals are undergoing the training and are expected to operate independently after the course.
“Tools for carving are locally available, making it easy to be adopted by the locals,” said Chikababwa.
She said apart from generating income for individuals, the project will also boost tourism and reduce deforestation.
“Tourists will be coming to buy these products as souvenirs. Forests will also be saved as people will be given an alternative way of earning a living,” said Chikababwa.
She said the project uses such rocks as soap stone and serpentine as raw materials, currently collected from Ntcheu, Mzimba, Kasungu and Chitipa.
According to Chikabadwa, there is a market for the sculptures in Italy and the United Kingdom. She, however, said the project needs about K38 million to fully develop.
Director of Geological Survey Leonard Kalindekafe said his department will plan for the unit in the 2004/2005 budget so that it is fully funded.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
