National News

Mulanje action groups plead for assistance

 

Three citizen action groups from group village heads Nande, Kamanje and Namadzoma in traditional authorities (T/As) Mabuka and Mthiramanja in Mulanje say lack of support from duty-bearers is affecting their work.

National Initiative for Civic Education (Nice) Trust Mulanje office on Friday had a meeting with the groups to discuss success stories in their operation.

But Nzika Citizen Action Group chairperson Patrick Maulidi complained that in many cases, development projects could start, but fail to be completed.

Mwabungulu (standing) speaks
during the meeting

“For example, the irrigation scheme and health centre are not completed. There are discrepancies in Farm Input Subsidy Programme [Fisp] and the completed bakery is yet to open because the contractor is holding onto the keys due to payment issues,” he said.

Nande Citizen Action Group deputy secretary Matthias Koleya said seven people were selected for the Decent and Affordable Housing Scheme Project (Dahp) commonly known as the cement and malata programme, but they have not benefitted.

An official from Mulanje District Council, Daniel Chizizi, said such issues go through village and area development committees which would take issues to the council.

He acknowledged the existence of unfinished projects which he said are a result of the unwillingness on incoming members of Parliament to continue with projects initiated by fellow outgoing legislators.

Mulanje Nice district civic education officer Twambilire Mwabungulu said his organisation has stepped up campaign on voice and accountability issues such as corruption and early child marriages.

“People complain about not being assisted in many issues. We feel that they should be raising their concerns through groups,” he said. n

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