Cama consulting public on next move – Kabwila
The Consumers Association of Malawi (Cama) has started consulting the general public on the next action to be taken against government’s reluctance to implement measures raised in its seven-point petition presented on January 17 2013 in the wake of flailing economy.
Government a fortnight ago rejected most of the demands Cama had presented to it during demonstrations held in the country’s major cities.
On January 17, Cama led a consumer protest against economic hardships resulting from policies adopted by Joyce Banda’s administration since ascending to power last April after the death of president Bingu wa Mutharika.
Cama demanded President Banda to declare her assets, reduce her presidential motorcade, end kwacha floatation, sell the presidential jet and cut the Cabinet size, trim the number of Principal Secretaries in government ministries and presidential travels.
In an interview, Cama’s eastern region coordinator, Dr. Jessie Kabwila told Nyasa Times that they are currently sourcing views to determine next action against government.
“We are using our consumer groups in districts across the country, asking people to tell us what we should do next since government rejected most of our proposals in the petition. Soon we will come up with our stand on what course of action will be taken,” Kabwila said.
She said some of the means to be used in collecting people’s views will include phone calls, citing Lilongwe as one of the areas using the mode in collecting people’s views.
In its statement soon after the meeting with government, Cama condemned Banda’s administration for lack of seriousness in addressing economic problems the country is currently experiencing.
During the January 17 demonstrations, Kabwila and Cama’s Executive Director, John Kapito warned they would hold continuous protests and vigils at State House in order to force government to effect issues raised in the petition.
Government only accepted to reduce the presidential convoy and sell ministerial Mercedes Benz, and eradicating corruption apart from recently implemented civil servants salary hike.
Minister of Information and Civic Education Moses Kunkuyu said some of the issues, such as the demand for President = Banda to declare her assets, depend on what the law stipulates.
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