A 37-year-old automobile mechanic from Magombo Village in Senior Chief Nchilamwera’s area, Thyolo, says he needs support to help him realize his long-held dream after successfully building a petrol-powered air drone.

Christopher Kamunga, who has spent the past seven years working on the project, told Zodiak that his journey began while he was practicing mechanics, which later sparked his interest in aviation.

“I started assembling the Albatross-Chriss 001 aircraft seven years ago when I was still practicing mechanics. My passion grew, and I even joined aviation studies, but due to financial challenges, I could not finish,” said Kamunga.

He added "Despite the setbacks, I believe this aircraft will one day be completed and able to fly. All I need is support to turn the vision into reality.”

Currently, he is appealing for an airstrip space for ground test among other support for his innovation.

Meanwhile, Thyolo District Commissioner, Hudson Kuphanga, commended Kamunga’s determination and ingenuity, noting that such innovation needs to be nurtured.

“This is the kind of creativity that deserves support from both the council and the public. As a district, we are proud of Kamunga’s work,” said Kuphanga.

Kuphanga pledged, “We will lobby the Office of the President and Cabinet, through its Department of Innovations, to explore ways of assisting him in bringing his vision to life.”

Kamunga’s appeal has already drawn attention within Thyolo, with hopes that broader support will help transform his locally built aircraft into a working reality.