DPP ‘ruins’ haunt Mzuzu City

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) regional office in the North remains in ruins, eight months after it was destroyed in anti-government demonstrations.

The offices were in a building which belongs to Youth, Sports and Culture Minister Symon Vuwa Kaunda. The minister had to evict a tenant before surrendering it to the ruling party.

During the July 20 2011 demonstrations, people set the building on fire and damaged it.

Kaunda said on Monday he is sourcing money to rebuild the structure.

“The way it is, to say it needs renovation would be lying. It needs to be rebuilt. That requires a lot of money which I am working on,” said the minister.

He, however, said he does not regret giving the house to the DPP.

Said Kaunda: “I am a loyal member of the party and the President.”

At first, the DPP had no office in the North and the first regional governor, Harry Mkandawire, was operating from his offices.

When Ancent Nkhata took over as regional governor, he was operating from Ministry of Lands offices when Professor Peter Mwanza was heading the ministry.

Currently, the party’s Northern Region governor has no office.

Meanwhile, DPP secretary general Wakuda Kamanga said the party is looking for an office.

“The regional governor (North) and others are busy looking for a building and once one has been found, we will occupy it,” said Kamanga.

Asked how the party is working without an office, Kamanga said party officials work from anywhere.