Mukhito orders resumption of stalled police houses after audit exposes payment chaos

Homeland Security Minister Peter Mukhito has revealed that stalled construction projects to build homes for security officers will finally resume, after a government audit uncovered troubling payment discrepancies with contractors.

Mukhito made the announcement in Karonga on Monday, as he launched a four-day inspection tour of the Northern Region alongside Deputy Minister Norman Chisale, Deputy Minister for Gender Martha Mzomera Ngwira, and DPP Northern Region Governor Christopher Mzomera Ngwira.

Speaking after inspecting the construction of 15 police officers’ houses at Ipyana Police Mobile Service, Mukhito revealed that government had been forced to suspend the projects after receiving alarming information that some contractors had been paid in full, while others had received nothing at all.

“Most of the houses, I must apologetically say, have stalled for good reasons. Government wants a full audit of the project. There was information that other contractors were paid in full while others weren’t,” Mukhito admitted.

He confirmed the audit process has now been completed, paving the way for government to disburse the outstanding funds and finally get construction moving again.

The minister took the opportunity to issue a stern warning to officials and contractors alike, cautioning against corruption and the misuse of public resources.

He insisted every single kwacha allocated to government projects must be properly accounted for and used strictly for its intended purpose, adding that development projects must deliver tangible benefits for ordinary Malawians and improve public service delivery.

Karonga District Commissioner Willard Mwambo revealed the district would use Constituency Development Fund (CDF) resources to complement government’s efforts to strengthen community security, confirming the council was working closely with communities and security agencies to identify priority interventions.

“The council is committed to completing construction of Wiliro Police Station to improve access to police services and strengthen security in surrounding communities using CDF funds,” Mwambo said.

According to the Ministry of Homeland Security, the ongoing inspection tour is designed to assess progress on development projects, strengthen oversight, and evaluate service delivery across departments falling under the ministry’s mandate.