APM spends K250m on BB, Nomads buses

President Peter Mutharika is reported to have spent K250 million (K125 million each) for Higer buses he bought for local football giants Nyasa Big Bullets and Be Forward Wanderers.

A source confided in The Nation yesterday that the two buses were bought from Rashy Motors in Blantyre “and payment was issued last Friday”.

Presidential press secretary Mgeme Kalilani also confirmed that the buying process was finalised Friday, but said he needed to cross check on the actual amount with those that were assigned for the deal.

“So, that  should be confirmation  the buses are not from Malawi Posts Corporation as it is being portrayed on social media.

“The President spent his personal money on both the costs of buying the buses as well as branding [at City Motors Limited].

“It is, therefore, unfortunate that some quarters are politicising the issue,” he said.

Through a statement posted on their official Facebook page on Monday, the People’s Team confirmed receiving their bus on Monday.

Reads part of the statement: “We are happy to report that we have received the bus that was pledged to us by State President Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika. The bus has been handed over to Nyasa Big Bullets FC today, Monday 22 June 2020.”

Wanderers general secretary Victor Maunde also confirmed having got theirs.

However, football analyst Humphreys Mvula yesterday urged the two teams to get bluebooks for the buses to confirm ownership.

He said: “The bluebooks of the buses should be in the names of the teams, only then can we say that they own the buses.”

Mvula also described the President’s timing to buy the two teams buses as a calculated move to amass votes from their supporters in yesterday’s presidential election.

Mutharika pledged the buses during a launch rally of the two teams’ stadia projects at Nyambadwe Primary School ground in Blantyre last week.