Karonga NGOs demand action on Masaf 4 ‘Cashgate’
The Malawi Economic Justice Network (Mejn) Karonga Chapter says its investigations indicate that half of the materials under Masaf 4 Project in Karonga were not delivered to beneficiaries.
The findings by the chapter add to allegations that some council workers misused K57 billion meant for public works under Masaf 4 Project.
Mejn has since urged district commissioner (DC) Rosemary Moyo to swiftly act on officers alleged to have misused K57 billion, failing which they will hold vigils at her office until the matter is resolved.
In a communiqué to the DC dated September 2 2016, Mejn also wants Karonga District Council to temporarily suspend council elections slated for today until the matter is resolved.
Reads the communiqué in part: “Chairperson for Miyombo Scheme Kennedy Mwenelwanga confirmed that out of 39 bags of cement that were expected to be delivered at Miyombo, only 10 were delivered; president for Lufilya Alexander Mkandawire said out of 50 bags of cement, 20, 000 bricks, four wheelbarrows and four shovels, none was delivered at the scheme.”
Chairperson for Karonga District Council Patrick Kisyombe said the DC’s office furnished them with a new report after investigating the matter, but said the new report does not show how much was spent on purchasing materials.
“The report from the DC’s office just shows that 50 bags or so many materials were bought, but it does not indicate how much was spent in buying those materials, so we are surprised,” he said.
Efforts to talk to Moyo proved futile as she was reportedly in Mangochi and her mobile phone went unanswered on several attempts.
But in an earlier interview, she accused councillors of twisting information. She said there was no money misappropriated at the council.
