Group takes former ADC chair to task over public funds

Kilupula Public Expenditure Tracking (PET) community members in Karonga District have taken to task the immediate area development committee (ADC) chairperson Nelson Mwakisulu for allegedly misappropriating K11 million.

The community-managed social funds were meant for rehabilitation of Kaporo Rural Hospital out-patient department (OPD) wing.

Three ADCs of Wasambo, Mbande and Kilupula summoned the former office-bearers to a meeting last Thursday where PET community chairperson Elias Phiri made the allegations.

“We summoned the former office-bearers to explain to us how they spent money meant for the project which is substandard. 

“Our investigations show that goods bought and the amount appearing on bill of quantities [BoQs] and on the receipts do not match,” he said.

Phiri said the community will take the issue to the Ombudsman to investigate it further.

However, Mwakisulu denied the allegations, saying every tambala was put to good use and the contractor did a commendable job.

“In a democracy it is normal for people to speak out their mind. My hands are clean. Let them pursue the issue further,” he said.

Karonga District Council acting director of public works Robert Phiri said his office failed to closely monitor the project.

Justice and Peace of Karonga Diocese with funding from Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa facilitated the meeting.