Minister Nankhumwa warns council officials, chiefs against corrupt practices in public works projects
Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Kondwani Nankhumwa appealed against corrupt practices among chiefs and local council officials in the country when handling public works projects.
The Minister made the appeal Wednesday in Rumphi during the installation of traditional authorities Katumbi and Mwalweni and elevation of Sub Traditional Authority Kachulu to T.A.
He said his office has reports that some chiefs and district council officials in charge of implementing projects under Public Works Programme are engaged in corruption.
“We have received reports that some chiefs and public officials are frustrating government development projects like public works, which was meant to benefit the poor masses.
“There are reports that some chiefs are conniving with some public officials to cook up false lists of beneficiaries,” he explained.
With such malpractice, the minister observed that the resources meant for several beneficiaries are shared out by chiefs and officials responsible for implementing the project.
Nankhumwa warned those engaged in the malpractice that they would face the law once caught.
Speaking on the newly installed and elevated traditional leaders, the Minister advised members of the royal families to resolve chieftaincy issues amicably when they arise, other than taking matters to courts.
He said that would prevent chieftaincy wrangles.
The minister was supposed to install four chiefs on Wednesday, but that of Ian Kachipapa Mwamlowe was put off because of a court injunction which was obtained on the eve of the installation day by three individuals who are also claiming the chieftaincy.
“We would have installed four chiefs today but because of the court injunction T/A Mwamlowe’s installation has failed. However, arrangements are being done to resolve the issue,” explained Principal Secretary in the Local Government Ministry, Stuart Ligomeka.
Earlier, Tumbuka Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe also appealed to the installed chiefs to be exemplary by among other thingss, promoting development work in their areas, avoiding corruption, respecting the people they reign over and avoiding excessive beer drinking.
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