Malawi govt wants to buy new convoy for President Mutharika: ‘Mapwevupwevu Hall’ budget under contention

Members of parliament on Monday afternoon took Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development Goodall Gondwe over government decision to buy eight vehicles for presidential convoy.

This issue was raised when the legislators were scrutinising the K1.1 trillion national in a committee of supply.

Gondwe defended the K906 million budget, saying there are a lot developments to be accomplished at State House including the buying of eight vehicles for President Peter Mutharika’s convoy.

“The motorcade is old and needs replacement,” he said.

Gondwe said the presidential convoy is 12 years old.

“I know this because I am the one who bought the convoy,” he said.

The Finance Minister said it would be a security risk to be breaking down when the President is on the road.

Gondwe agreed with some of the suggestions that State House can buy four vehicles this year and four next year taking into account the state of the economy.

The minister also defended the K95 million ((about $150 000) multipurpose hall, saying the State House used to have a marquee  but was destroyed in a storm.

Gondwe also said the State House regularly employs waiters hence the need to train them on regular basis.

But most opposition legislators said it was unnecessary  for a banqueting hall given the numerous problems, including food shortages, affecting the country.

Most opposition MPs said  questioned the priorities of the allocation for construction of a “mapwevupwevu” hall at a time 2.8 million Malawians are in need of food aid.

In his critique of the State House and OPC votes, Rumphi West MP Kamlepo Kalua (People’s Party-PP) said State Residences should not have been allocated such huge sums of money when there are other ministries which are suffering and need the money better.

The MPs passed the vote.