Transformation Alliance takes swipe on Mutharika, Escom, PAC: Demands enactment of Information Bill in Malawi

The Transformation Alliance (TA) has taken swipe on President Peter Mutharika, Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) and Public Affairs (PAC), calling the citizenry to rise up and take part in governing the country if Malawi is to develop.

 The alliance- a political pressure group preening future leadership- has since demanded Mutharika to come out in open and address the nation on the truth about his extended stay in USA after United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and the meetings he held.

The alliance’s newly appointed spokesperson, Leonard Chimbanga lambasted Escom for the continued blackouts, urging the institution to stop toying with Malawians.

 “We find Escom’s explanations on this erratic power supply as senseless and mere public relations stunts at the expense of the suffering poor citizens. The Alliance fears the energy woes have potential to breed more dire consequences if left unchecked and controlled.

 “Is the problem with the generation, the transmission or the distribution component? We demand that Escom officials give convincing reasons for their ageing inefficiencies and qualified mediocrity that must have no space in a country that doesn’t tire preaching investment opportunities,” said Chimbanga.

 While refusing to dwell on recent speculations of Mutharika’s health, Chimbanga demanded the enactment of Access to Information Bill to deal with government’s bureaucracies especially its failure to provide the nation with information about Mutharika’s health status.

 He then called on government to come out clear on the timeframes for the energy projects underway and when the power outages will ease, arguing reports have been emerging that some politicians abuse the parastatal through unaccounted for payments to advance party agendas.

 Taking swipe on PAC, Chimbanga wondered why the inter-faith grouping is failing to let out recommendations that were made at all inclusive two day national conference held earlier this year.

 “We are not so sure if the respected leadership of PAC realizes the damage it is making to the country with its continued silence on the presented recommendations. PAC must realize it operates on the trust of the people. It must be seen truly advancing their interests and not massaging personal selfish interests,” he said.

 He added: “We are saddened that the PAC leadership looks clueless now and fast losing its relevance and mandate from the people. TA makes a fresh call to the PAC leadership to urgently convene a review conference so that Malawians should decide what to do having failed to progress its talks with government.”

 Chimbanga has since asked government to remove value added tax on alternative sources of energy such as solar, generators, candles and paraffin among others until the power outages improve productivity in industries and spur micro-economic growth.

 “Government must exercise some control on fuel prices in the country as this has potential to raise prices of goods and services. Parliament must remove tax on water.”