Irate villagers protest over unpaid public works wages

Communities who took part in the Malawi Social Action Fund (Masaf) 4 road maintenance project under Public Works Programme in February this year in Rumphi have protested over the district council’s failure to pay their wages.

The beneficiaries from Ng’onga in the area of Sub-Traditional Authority Chisovya stormed Rumphi District Council offices on Friday where they told Malawi News Agency (Mana) they suspected foul play.

The community members had been at Rumphi District Council offices since Wednesday.

One of the concerned beneficiaries, Chiukepo Mtete, said that since the completion of road maintenance works in his area in February, the council was playing a hide-and-seek on the issue of their dues.

In an interview, Rumphi District Council director of public works Allan Chitete conceded that the concerns raised by the beneficiaries were valid.

He, however, attributed the situation to some problems at grassroot level relating to flawed procedures.

Said Chitete: “But the inconsistencies have now been cleared and they will be paid on Tuesday next week.”

There are 1 240 beneficiaries who are expected to receive their wages in the area. Mwazisi and Lura are other areas in the district where beneficiaries are yet to receive their wages.