MP, councillor feuds affect development in Mangochi
The bickering between members of Parliament (MPs) and ward councillors still exists in Mangochi, a situation which Group Village Head (GVH) Mwenda warns is derailing development in the district.
Mwenda, from Traditional Authority (T/A) Nankumba’s area in the district, disclosed that there is a wrangle going on between some members of Parliament in the district and their ward councilors, particularly on development activities.
He was speaking last Thursday at Mangochi Town Council Hall during the district multi- stakeholders meeting that the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) held to brief the stakeholders on the phasing out of the Accountability and Transparency Project which was being funded by Tilitonse.
“We were happy that the coming in of councillors would relieve the duties of the MP. But we are surprised to see that MPs continue doing the work of councillors, such as repairing boreholes,” said Mwenda.
He decried that instead of spending their energy on development issues, the duty-bearers are busy backbiting. He feared this will affect development efforts in the area.
“It is high time these leaders started working together. We are tired of their bickering. We voted for them so that they develop this area,” said Mwenda.
He said traditional leaders in the area are considering inviting the political leaders to a round table discussion to hear their problems.
“We have many problems in the district. We have shortage of school blocks, teachers’ houses, boreholes and health facilities, among others. It is unfortunate that the people we entrusted to work together in developing this area are working apart. We are worried because for development to take shape there must be a rapport between these two power houses,” said Mwenda.
In his remarks, CCJP Diocesan Secretary for Mangochi Diocese, Bruno Banda encouraged the people to meet their duty-bearers so that they resolve the issues. n
