Nankhumwa condemns Chakwera for moving headquarters of govt institutions to Lilongwe: Blantyre will suffer like Zomba
Embattled leader of opposition Kondwani Nankhumwa has taken a swipe at President Lazarus Chakwera for continuing with the policy of relocating the headquarters of various parastatals, government departments and agencies from Blantyre to Lilongwe.
Delivering his response to the State of Nation Address (SONA) on Tuesday in parliament, Nankhumwa said he strongly condemn this move, as it contradicts the principle of equitable distribution of resources within an economy.
“When the late Ngwazi Dr. H. Kamuzu Banda relocated the Capital City from Zomba to Lilongwe, Zomba suffered immensely; its economy dwindled, and livelihoods were shattered. We cannot allow a similar fate to befall Blantyre, especially considering the lack of a convincing rationale provided by the government for this policy direction,” he said.
He believes that this decision is being executed without a coherent plan.
“If unchecked, Lilongwe will soon become an overpopulated city, plagued by the negative consequences of unplanned urbanization. We are already witnessing a rise in criminal activities and the emergence of slums in the Capital City. Furthermore, public health concerns, such as Cholera outbreaks resulting from poor hygiene due to overcrowding, are becoming increasingly prevalent. One must question whether the President is receiving sound advice on this matter,” he said.
Nankhumwa further said the objective of the Local Council Act is to empower councils and districts so that development is evenly distributed.
“Therefore, the decision to transfer headquarters of parastatals, government departments and agencies to Lilongwe goes counter to this empowering framework,” he said.
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A Hon Nankhumwa mwabalalika chabe thus not the point to raise you know for long time government departments, parasatals and NGOs have been based in the southern region, should we. Say is that equitable distribution of resource for a malawi we want?, what about northern region? The move that chakwera has taken is just cool for Lilongwe is a capita city has its cool and it is in the center of malawi,. A Nankhumwa ndinu adyera zuwonekeratu kuti if you took the throne you want think of northerners,..
Thank you
Let wisdom be measured by leaders before action
What about Mzuzu if he is concerned by Blantyre. Yes, let all MDAs be headquartered in obe City for ease of operation. I support this. I only don’t support if the equity mentioned spreads to Mzuzu too
Well said Nankhumwa. Lilongwe will then be a city of savages as more people will leavr their villages, flock to the city for greener pastures as pasture in other cities like Blantye and Zomba is dwindling. Overcrowding and robbery will be issues of the day. Cry my beloved country.