Chaos at Nkhotakota council meeting: MP Geoff wa Jeffrey in near punch up with councillor

There was chaos during Nkhotakota full council meeting on Tuesday when members trashed almost all reports that were presented blaming they were not a true reflection of what happened on the ground.

Three members of parliament (MPs) present during the meeting and councilors were emotional towards the reports that were presented claiming they were not consulted when implementing the projects.

Things got more tensed up when Councilor Joseph Zimkungi presented a works and Development Committee report which made most of the members especially MP for Nkhotakota South Constituency Greizedar Jeffrey to fume with anger.

Zimkungi and Jeffrey nearly fought as they exchanged bitter words between them right in the chamber but the situation calmed down after the councilor walked out, apparently to prevent the physical brawl.

Charged with anger and speaking on top of her voice Jeffrey warned the council to give true reflection of what is happening on the ground rather than cheating the leaders.

While acknowledging receipt of some materials like cement on sites, she disputed reports that her constituency projects especially construction of Kasamba CDSS girls’ hostel and Luwi Bridge were at a ‘recognised stage’.

“Much as District Development Fund (DDF) committee surrendered 90 bags of cement at Kasamba, we cannot count at the project as having 11 percent of its work done.

“The report indicates that the slab level was done right? What is a slab? The project is at foundation level because so far only 20 bags were used and the 70 bags became concrete before being used.

“On the other hand, Luwe Bridge has almost all materials except wires on site but the contractor was not paid making [work stall],” explained Jeffrey while charging towards the council chairperson and District Commissioner.

On his part Peter Mazizi for Nkhotakota Central said his Chigumula ground project did not benefit much from DDF as the report showed.

Mazizi said the report exaggerated the statistics. He said there was need for transparency and accountability if the district was to develop.

Councilor Edward Chigulu also bemoaned absence of public works programme in his Mpondagaga ward. He asked for his K2.5 million ward share which works and development committee failed to account for.

“We agreed each ward was allocated K2.5 million, where is the money for my ward?” querried Chigulu

Council chairperson Samson Kaziputa who looked confused and tired admitted there was no quality work produced because the house chose to work against government’s guidelines.

“Let me admit today was not our day. If we had enough resources I would have surely suspended the meeting and call for an extraordinary assembly.

“We divided the funds among wards instead of choosing few priority projects in the district. This forced us to propose a lot of projects hence the impact is not seen. Worse still, government only managed to give us K40 million instead of about K140 million we planned for. We have learnt a bitter lesson,” said Kaziputa.

DC Felix Mkandawire advised the council to swallow their pride and look into the interests of communities saying local politics is not helpful.

“Do not put the priorities beyond district urgencies. Let us love our country by following the guidelines.”

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