Malawi govt sending auditors to Karonga, Mchinji following ‘Cashgate’ activities

Government says it is rushing auditors to Karonga and Mchinji for comprehensive auditing of the two councils following reports of abuse of funds.

Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development spokesperson Muhlabase Mughogho said a team of auditors are being sent to the two councils whose results will determine the future of council officials who will be implicated.

“The audit report will give us a clue as to who was involved and a disciplinary action will be taken against them,” said Mughogho.

Malawi Economioc Justice Network executive director Dalitso Kubalasa thanked people of Karonga and Mchinji for staging a sit in and protests respectively, saying they have a right to demand transparency and accountability from office bearers.

Kubalasa however condemned the violence in Mchinji, saying such demands should be done peacefully.

The Mchinji district commissioner Chimwemwe Hara said no council official is involved in abuse of funds at the council and no money has been stolen as alleged by the protesters.

The protesters alleged K100 million, saying this is why the council has failed to construct a community centre ground and has failed to put up streets lights at the boma.

In Karonga, police have arrested seven council officials on allegation they abused K57 million meant for public works.