Nandolo under probe for ‘exercising ministerial powers’

Suspended Blantyre City Council (BCC) Chief executive officer (CEO) Ted Nandolo is being investigated on allegations that he was exercising ministerial powers in executing some of his duties.

Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development suspended Nandolo three weeks ago with no pay .

The ministry is carrying investigations into  allegations that Nandolo was implementing salary increments without following required procedures.

The letter of suspension dated March 24 2015 and signed by former principal secretary for Local Government and Rural Development, Kester Kaphaizi, said Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Trasizio Gowelo raised concerns regarding Nandolo’s conduct to approve and implement the salary adjustments.

“The decision you made has serious consequences more especially where it has been observed that as chief executive officer you actually exercised the powers of the minister without authority.

“I, therefore, wish to advise that in exercise of the powers vested in him by the Local Government (amendment) Act Number 17 of 2010, section 6(2), the Honourable Minister has directed that you be suspended from exercising the powers and functions of your office with immediate effect,” reads the letter.

Nandolo, however, said the salary implementation was done while he was away to Vietnam on duty and the office had to adjust the salaries to suppress an impending strike.