MP welcomes Malawi police budget reduction, says law enforcers must cut roadblocks

Karonga Central legislator Frank Mwenifumbo on Thursday became the lone voice in parliament welcoming the reduction of Malawi police budget, saying the law enforcers should cut roadblocks in Karonga.

Mwenifumbo lamented that on a 50 kilometre stretch of land in his constituency, there are 12 roadblocks translating into two roadblocks per every one kilometre of the road which he described as harassment of ordinary people at the highest order.

“Interestingly, the police officers search public transport only, leaving out private vehicles. This is unfair. They should reduce the roadblocks which are now a harassment  to ordinary citizens who are delayed on the roads,” said the plain talking independent legislator.

Mwenifumbo was commenting on Finance Minister Goodall Gondwe’s decision to cut the police budget by K200m from K24.3 billion to K24.1 billion.

Gondwe also cut Home Affairs ministry budget from K2.8 billion to K2.2 billion, a move which raised concern in the 193 strong House as the ministry is responsible for all internal security matters in the country.

Minister of Gender Patricia Kaliati received rare backing from opposition benches to have budget for her ministry upped as this is the ministry that works at grass root on social issues concerning women, children, people with disability and the elderly.

Even Kaliati’s female political arch rival in the House, Jessie Kabwila lobbied Gondwe to increase the budget for the ministry.

Kaliati thanked all those that wanted her ministry budget increased but said this could not be done in the prevailing hostile climate.

She said some money will be coming from donors so most programmes will not be interrupted due to the budget cuts.

Kaliati  said for instance, money for cash transfer has been obtained from donors to give to street beggars who will next month be forced out of streets of Blantyre and Lilongwe.

She said the. Money will cater for school needs of children who will be forced out of the streets and be forced into learning institutions and their parents who will be given money for food and income generating activities.