Golden jubilee celebrations pegged at K200 million

Malawi Government is expected to spend K200 million of taxpayers’ money towards celebrations marking the country’s golden jubilee next month

Vice-President Saulosi Chilima disclosed this at a press conference in Lilongwe on Friday.

Malawi will be celebrating 50 years of independence on July 6 this year. The events marking the day will take place in Lilongwe.

Said Chilima: “As you know, Malawi clocks 50 years of independence and this cannot go without us celebrating some achievement the country has recorded for the past years.

The Vice-President also acknowledged that the country’s  financial status does not allow extraordinary spending, but was quick to point out that failing to celebrate 50 years of independence would be doing an injustice to Malawians.

Chilima also said they have invited some dignitaries and heads of State.

“Former presidents and vice-presidents of Malawi have also been invited to the function as they are also part of the achievements that Malawi has made in the 50 years,” Chilima told journalists.

But speaking in a separate interview, Malawi Congress Party (MCP) spokesperson Jessie Kabwila said although there is need to celebrate the golden jubilee of independence, her party feels K200 million is a lot of money to waste on one function.

“K200 million is too much money to be wasted for the celebrations. Why can’t we celebrate responsibly without wasting our hard-earned resource?” asked Kabwila.