Shanil hails govt as UDF chief whip says Mutharika ‘walking the talk’

Chief whip for United Democratic Front (UDF) Lilina Patel has backed President Peter Mutharika claims that he is fulfilling his electoral promises, saying indeed one year in power the President is delivering.

Commenting on Mutharika’s State of the Nation Address in parliament, Patel whose UDF party is in “parliamentary coalition” with ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), said Mutharika was walking the talk on transformation of the nation.

“In the first year and first term of His Excellency, President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, government has indeed fulfilled our promises,” said Patel, UDF member of parliament for Mangochi South.

Mutharika and DPP will mark one year in office this month end.

“ The macro-economic policy reforms, the extended credit facility with IMF, the public finance reform programmes, the Malata and cement subsidy, the establishment of community colleges, construction of Phalombe District Hospital, National Cancer Centre,” Patel cited some of the delivered promises.

She continued: “A ban on attendance of political functions by Principal Secretaries and the de politicisation of the public services where officers will be appointed on merit. “

During the debate of President’s address, Members of Parliament (MPs) commended government for its support to people who were affected with floods, hailstorm in the 2015/2016 rainy season.

Former first lady and Balaka West MP, Patricia  Shanil  Dzimbiri described the response by government towards disaster stricken areas was one of the best ever.

“We are pleased of the government’s plan to restock maize, however, that should be made available to all Malawians,” she said.

Member of Parliament for Blantyre, Susan Ndalama said despite limited resources, government managed to save lives of many Malawians by among this providing food, shelter and proper medication.

“I would like to register my appreciation to the government for such a timely response when the country was faced with a worst ever disaster.

“I come from Blantyre Rural East and about five houses were washed out while thousands of people were heavily affected. However, government in corroboration with its stakeholders managed to rescue the affected Malawians,” she explained.

Member of Parliament Karonga North, Vincent Ghambi also saluted government for its continued support to Malawians who were affected with the disaster.

President Peter Mutharika in his State of National Address highlighted about government plans to restock maize grain to deal with hunger.

In the 2015/2016 National budget, government has set aside about Mk 80 billion  has been set for the purchase of maize grain.

Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :