Dedza MPs worried over council budget

Members of Parliament in Dedza have express concerns over the developmental budget priorities of the district council saying that many important projects were left out.

According one of the MPs in the district, Patrick Chilondola of Dedza North constituency said he was very worried about many projects in his area which were not included in the budget.

“In my area we have roads for example Nkhoma-Mayani Road which is in a very bad state that needs graveling not grading as it was presented in the budget. That is why as MPs we were pleading with the council to consider some of these projects that will really assist people in our constituencies and indeed develop our own district,” he said.

Echoing the sentiments, Senior Chief Kachindamoto blamed the council for not engaging chiefs in the district when prioritising projects which made the council to choose projects which chiefs are not satisfied with.

“As leaders in the community we should be engaged in prioritising and selecting developmental projects for our communities and not just putting projects which are not necessary for our areas,” she said.

Kachindamoto added that women in her area travel long distances to antenatal check-ups which is very bad while maternity wing in her area has stayed four years without being completed and has not been included in the financial year.

District Commissioner for Dedza, James Manyetera admitted to concerns raised by the council and he said as council they taken into account what MPs and chiefs have complained saying they will consider some of the projects after sourcing funds.

Dedza has come up with a total of K1.6 billion of which K231 million is for District Development Fund (DDF).