Government launches councillors’ motorcycle loan scheme
Malawi Government has launched the long-awaited Motorcycle Loan Scheme for ward councillors after months of councillors pushing for the scheme.
It was not surprising, therefore, to hear Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Kondwani Nankhumwa, during the launch in Lilongwe yesterday, acknowledging that the delay in fulfilling the promise created frustration and mistrust among councillors.
He said the frustration was justified because councillors face serious challenges in mobility due to sizes of their wards.
Said Nankhumwa: “Since the May 20 2014 Tripartite Elections, councillors have been pushing to receive motorcycle loans, which government promised them. I am, therefore, delighted that councillors will, from now onwards, access their long-awaited loans.”
Malawi Local Government Association (Malga) president Samson Chaziya described the launch of the scheme as an end to the battle between government and the councillors.
Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development said repayment of the loans shall commence this month through deductions from beneficiaries’ honoraria.
The scheme, which entitles each councillor a K1 million ($1 443) loan, is repayable in 33 months and will attract a 10 percent interest.
