Chikuni turns down secondment to mainstream civil service, resigns
Engineer Alfonso Chikuni who has been removed as Lilongwe Water Board (LWB) chief executive officer (CEO) and seconded to Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development as chief director responsible for irrigation and water development, has decided not to take up the post as he has resigned, Nyasa Times understands.
Chief Secretary to the Government Lloyd Muhara had asked Chikuni to take up the post in the mainstream civil service immediately.
But the engineer has turned down the secondment and decided to go.
“He is resigning completely. His contract is to end in March 2020 so instead of running it down, he has opted to resign,” a source at the Office of President and Cabinet told Nyasa Times.
“He is planning to take a personal sabbatical and travel around the world while exploring his next move. First stop is China where he is expecting to spend festive holidays with family,” the source added.
Chikuni could not grant an interview on the matter.
He has been replaced by Director of Corporate Services, Moses Mwenye in an acting capacity.
Mwenye will have to step in and redeem LWB from the concerns of alleged corrupt pracises in procurement of services including the way the board intends to award contract to Sawa Group including huge debts it cannot pay.
LWB obtained a $17 million (about K12.5 billion) loan from National Bank of Malawi (NBM) to meet some preparatory works for the K400 billion water project awarded to South Africa-based engineering firm Khato Civils, requiring it to pay NBM close to K600 million monthly.
Nonetheless, under Chikuni’s leadership, LWB was transformed from a loss-making parastatal to a profit-making one, increased supply coverage from 69 percent in 2014 to 83.4 percent in 2018, increased number of customers and connections from 60 000 to 83 500 and increased revenue collection through enhanced strategies, innovation and building customer loyalty.
Chikuni become a second CEO from State enterprise this month to be seconded to Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development. The first one was Margret Roka-Mauwa who was removed as head of Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (Admarc).
Mauwa’s removal was a direct reaction to threats of an industrial action Admarc employees made. The staff at State produce trader also demanded the removal of director of finance Harold Mwala and company secretary James Kaphale on allegations of abuse of office and mismanagement of resources.
Roka-Mauwa was seconded to Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development as controller of agricultural extension and technical services according to a letter dated December 2 2019 signed by Muhara.
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On the other hand, with due respect to all commends loaded, I belive Mr Chikuni you could have been a great asset to Malawians at the IRRIGATION and Water development given your vast experience and engineering Acumen! it is human to react the way you did, but at times God allows someone to be pushed down so that their potential might shine brilliantly and benefit others……
working for Ministry of Agriculture could have prove how best uR koz it involves the whole country not just a region. Now due to your corwadice uR running away.Just say the challenge there is too much for you! Period unpatriotic engineer..why can’t you feel proud of serving the whole country?with droughts in Malawi that’s where you could prove how best uR..now just get off&shut up!
Are you serious? You’re mad! He served his country and apparently it was not good enough. He has been stressed because of working under the government! No he can not die working under the government let him spread his wings and die doing something he loves. You go work for the ministry!! Usati nyase
Braveheart which county are u talking about??????aha Malawi??? This ungrateful country???? Fuck outta here with that bullshit if u want to serve your country go and serve don’t be putting it on other people….u go and serve
Osadabdaula team skc ikutenga, paja you already meet him at his area 12 residence jst before the elections. Simbi wont let you down you have fought hard for him for the LL-SA water project
This is a lesson to the unprofessional and political manner in which the Chief Secretary has chosen to handle Government Business.A whole registered and professionally qualified Engineer being seconded to the poorly managed and not so conducive environment of Ministry of Agriculture and Water, unheard of in the history of Government Business.
Good move Alfonso. All the best in the next life. I have no doubt you will come back should there be a new government. You served us well.
Zinthu zisintha posachedwa, waiting for ConCourt ruling, ife pheeeee!
This is brilliant decision, the offer has been done politically motivated . we need people who can stand by their decisions not money. well done chikuni for your resignation. You are aman
osadziwa anaombela mfiti manja
Mr Chikuni, well done. Dignity first.
Yes I am so happy for you dad…you can’t be out here wasting your precious time on Malawians…this is the beginning of a new chapter in your life…💃🏿💃🏿😂🤪😂