30/05/2026
MAYOR OSMAN AND DIRECTOR NKATA UNDERTAKE LEARNING VISIT TO HANNOVER, GERMANY
His Worship the Mayor of Blantyre City, Councillor Isaac Jomo Osman, accompanied by the Director of Administrative Services, Mr. Lytton Nkata, recently undertook a two-day learning and exchange visit to Hannover, Germany, as part of the long-standing partnership between the two cities.
The visit, which took place from 26 to 27 May 2026, focused on strengthening cooperation in sustainable urban development, environmental management, climate change adaptation, and waste management.
On the first day, the delegation toured the Herrenhausen Wastewater Treatment Plant, where they gained first-hand knowledge of modern wastewater treatment systems and sanitation management practices. The tour was conducted by officials from Hannover's Urban Drainage Department and provided valuable insights into innovative approaches to urban sanitation and environmental protection.
The delegation later visited Hannover's New Town Hall, where they explored the city's historical and urban development models and visited the Twin Cities Park. They also held discussions with Silvia Hesse, Chairperson of the Friendship Circle Malawi, and exchanged experiences on ongoing and potential development projects between Hannover and Blantyre. The programme included a visit to a recycling depot to appreciate best practices in waste recycling and resource recovery.
In the evening, the Mayor and Director attended a welcome dinner hosted by Hannover's Deputy Mayor, Monica Plate, alongside officials from the International Culture Department, Sustainability Office, and representatives of the Friendship Circle Malawi.
On the second day, the delegation participated in a guided tour on "Growing Cities in the Context of Climate Change," led by Johannes Drechsel, Head of the Department for Forests, Landscapes and Nature Conservation. The tour showcased how Hannover is integrating climate resilience, environmental conservation, and sustainable urban planning into its development agenda.
Speaking after the visit, Councillor Osman described the exchange programme as highly beneficial, noting that the lessons learned in wastewater management, recycling, environmental conservation, and climate change adaptation would help inform Blantyre City's efforts to build a cleaner, greener, and more resilient city.
Mr. Nkata also emphasized the importance of international partnerships in promoting knowledge sharing and strengthening institutional capacity to address urban development challenges.
The visit reaffirmed the strong friendship and cooperation between Blantyre and Hannover and highlighted the shared commitment of the two cities to advancing sustainable development and improving the quality of life for their residents.