Minister Nankhumwa warns councils against abuse of resources for political activities

Government will not condone abuse of public resources, including funds, by public officials in district and city councils and officers indulging in such malpractice would face serious disciplinary action, Local Government and Rural Development Minister Kondwani Nankhumwa has said.

Governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) supporters have on numerous occasions been seen aboard vehicles belonging to government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) travelling to and from political functions, including State events presided over by President Peter Mutharika.
Nankhumwa: We will guard against abuse of resources

“We have noted that there is an escalation of abuse of public resources for political activities in most district and city councils. My ministry will not sit back and look at such abuses taking root in our councils.

“Public resources are for the benefit of the local communities in the councils and not for the promotion of some political party or interests,” Nankhumwa said in an interview with Nyasa Times.

He confirmed he had directed the ministry’s PS to issue a circular to all District Commissioners and CEOs of all city councils to warn them that government would strictly enforce the provisions of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and Local Government Act (LGA), which require that council officers use public resources prudently.

“We must always protect the interests of the taxpayer by ensuring transparency and accountability in the manner council resources are utilized. We have noted with sadness and deep concern that some DCs and CEOs are falling prey to politicians who lure them into providing council resources, including vehicles, for political activities.

“In line with President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika’s firm stance against corruption, my ministry shall sternly deal with all fraudulent and corrupt council officials. We will not look away when officers abuse and misuse assets such as vehicles or any other equipment to promote their own selfish and political interests,” said Nankhumwa.

The letter, which Nyasa Times has seen, dated March 14, 2018, signed by PS Kenswell Dakamau and addressed to DCs and CEOs and copied to the Chief Secretary to Government and Executive Director, says it has come to the notice of government that some council are “continuing to divert resources such as vehicles, fuel and funds to support political party activities”.

Last week, the High Court of Malawi dismissed an application by the DPP to discharge a case where five civil society organisations (CSOs) dragged the party to court to reimburse K13.5 million solicited from city councils and a water board during the party’s fundraising dinner and dance dubbed Blue Night last July where President Peter Mutharika was the guest of honour

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kaka ni dada
kaka ni dada
6 years ago

Alekeni akufa ayikane akufa okhaokha.

BabesWodumo
BabesWodumo
6 years ago

Zalowa mbola masanje kwabasi pa Malawi mtcheeeeeeeeeeeeew

#DzukaniAmalawi
#DzukaniAmalawi
6 years ago

Honourable Nankhumwa, please issue the instructions to DPP leadership and your own MP’s. I don’t think you should take Malawians, especially DC’s and CEO of City Councils, as idiots. These DC’s and CEO’s are acting on instructions from DPP party leadership and if they don’t, then they lose their jobs……they are forced to tow the line. It is unfortunate that the digital world (social media) has empowered citizens to the extent that those things that happen in dark corners and at night, are revealed right the next day. Light is definitely defeating darkness once again. My advice to you Honourable… Read more »

DINKY
DINKY
6 years ago

ma lorry omwe amatuta ma cadet aja alekenso kunyamula anthu ndipo a nduna inu ndinu amene mumayambitsanso shha zamanyazi

James
James
6 years ago

Nankhumwa shouldn’t talk as if we are his children. I don’t think he is serious.

Dipipi wa Yudiefu
Dipipi wa Yudiefu
6 years ago

A thief telling his fellow thieves not to steal, kkkkkk. Protecting the interest of the tax payer, who? Nankhmwa, my foot!

Central
Central
6 years ago

Akadanena Chakwera nkhaniyi ikanamveka, koma enanu mpomvuta kukumverani nanga simukulankhula mutabisa zanu zososola kumbuyo…………………………. inu mukuganiza anyamata akumakhonsolo angatani ngati mukuyamba inu makolo? Ndimayesa K4 billion m’mainamizira ku makhonsolonso!! Zoona mpaka kumanamizira kupereka ku ADC? Is ADC a cost centre? Do they have accounts structures? Zoona mafumu ndiwo azikapanga approve payments!! Koma kumalawi ziriko zaulere……………………………………………………..!! Umboni wa kutha kwa styles tsopano

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