JB vows to revive Malawi economy, end hardships ‘brought by DPP’
Malawi President Joyce Banda has vowed to get the country’s economy growing again and to do more to end hardships which she noted were caused by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
Speaking at a “development rally” in Chintheche, Nkhatabay district in the northern Malawi, the Head of State assured that her government will work tirelessly to ensure that hardships that Malawians are facing end and resuscitate the ailing economy of one of the world’s poorest countries.
JB, as President Banda is fondly called, told the mammoth crowd that she inherited a government which was almost broke that is why she had to embark on reforms.
She reminded Malawians that the country’s economic difficulties worsened last year after donors, that had traditionally bankrolled about 40% of the budget, suspended aid over human rights concerns about the former president, Bingu wa Mutharika.
The collapse of donor funding put pressure on the currency, the kwacha, forcing devaluation last year.
“I know Malawians are suffering, but devaluation was necessary, we had to get the economy on track, devaluation was the only solution,” said Banda.
She added that her government has introduced some initiative to ensure that people are cushioned from the effects of devaluation and that her administration will improve the lives of Malawians by saving the troubled economy and creating good paying jobs.
Late Mutharika refused to devalue Malawi’s currency because he worried the move would hurt the poor.
But President Banda said the country’s economy will be revived, assuring Malawians especially women that she will not disappoint them but make them proud to have a woman as a leader.
PP gurus took turns speaking at the rally telling people why Joyce Banda is the right leader for Malawi.
Vice President Khumbo Kachali in his remarks said it is now time for PP to steer this country to greater heights hence the need to work with the party.
The Vice President then advised PP members to open up and allow new members in the party so that the party can grow.
Some of the people who spoke at the rally include, Member of Parliament for the area, Professor David Mphande, Frank Mwenefumbo, Uladi Mussa among others.
Over 1,000 people including Ralph Mhone a lawyer and close confidante of former vice president Cassim Chilumpha, were welcomed as PP members.
