Committee disappointed with Mangochi housing subsidy

Chairperson of Transport and Public Infrastructure Committee of Parliament, Victor Mbewe has said the committee is disappointed with progress on the Decent Accommodation and Housing Subsidy Programme (Dahsp) in Mangochi.

Speaking in an interview after visiting Mangochi District Council recently, Mbewe said although 80 percent of the materials were delivered to the intended beneficiaries, what was happening on the ground was not what the committee expected.

“During our visit here we have noted that the delivery of materials was delayed for quite a long time which further led to delays in people starting to construct their houses,” he said.

Government Assurance and Public Reforms Committee chairperson in Parliament, Harry Mkandawire recently said his committee will ask Parliament to consider decentralisation of procurement of Dahsp materials.

“In the interest of the success of the programme, council officials have recommended that procurement of materials should be decentralised to speed up the process and to ensure quality materials.

At least 161 houses under the programme have since been completed in Mangochi. n