Chief Kameme bemoans shutdown of Chitipa MRA checkpoint

Some residents of Karonga and Chitipa districts, including Senior Chief Kameme, have bemoaned the the closure of the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) checkpoint at Mbirima in Chitipa saying it has resulted in the influx of so many illegal products that are detrimental to their lives.

The residents said this during meetings held by some civil societies in their respective districts on Thursday and Friday.

According to Kameme, since the shutdown of the Mbirima MRA roadblock, strange products, most of which are harmful are entering Chitipa district.

Said Kameme: “The closure of MRA offices at Mbirima has led to different products entering here without being verified or checked. It was not just MRA there, there was also the Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS).”

Kameme also said the recent violent demonstrations have also affected a number of business activities in the district.

“We are not against demonstrations because it is everybody’s right. However, we, as chiefs are against the violent demos.

“Look at, for example, what happened in Karonga, and other districts where primary school learners below 18 did to the District Commissioners’ offices,” he added.

In his remarks, village headman Aliya in the area of Traditional Authority Kilipula in Karonga said the district’s security is at stake because of the removal of road blocks along Karonga-Songwe border M1 road.

According to him, foreigners are entering the district illegally with their unknown products and items.

“The removed roadblocks were part of tightening the security. We did not expect what is happening now. Something must be done quickly otherwise things are not okay,” he disclosed.

Councilor for Chilanga Ward in Karonga, Steven Simsokwe, also expressed his concern with the torching of the DC and council offices in the district.

“We are failing to find a place to hold our meetings. Even the DC as well, as the whole council is failing to do their duties accordingly. Karonga is almost as good as dead now,” he complained.

Edina Mhango, a member from the civil society,  thanked the residents for their understanding and revelations.

She said they will try to reason with the authorities to resume their work on the ground.

The meetings which were attended by senior and junior traditional leaders as well as village development committees were held under the theme “peace, unity and development.”