Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development on Friday transferred newly deployed Chitipa district commissioner (DC) Rodney Simwaka to Machinga, ending two months of uncertainty.
Speaking in an interview yesterday, Simwaka, who had been in Chitipa since February 23, opened up about his predicament in the northern border district, saying Chitipa District Council owes him K1.4 million in subsistence allowances.
Said Simwaka: “I had a terrible time in Chitipa. I was confined to one place for nearly two months doing nothing, even the meals became monotonous.”
Recently, the former Nsanje DC told The Nation his patience was wearing thin due to unwarranted pain, uncertainty and humiliation, claiming to be a victim in a wrangle between government and council.
Simwaka will begin a new lease of life in the Eastern Region where he has replaced Reinghard Chavula.
Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Trasizio Gowelo could not give any clue on the future of the ongoing court battle with incumbent Chitipa DC Grace Chirwa, saying: “My duty is to make sure every district has a DC. Where we encounter problems, the matter is referred to relevant authorities. As for now, the Chitipa issue is still in court.”
Gowelo referred the matter to the ministry’s spokesperson Muhlabase Mughogho who indicated Simwaka’s transfer is not the conclusion of Chirwa’s uncertain future as Chitipa DC.
Said Mughogho: “Mr Simwaka is in Machinga. As for Chirwa’s future, she is still working because of the injuction. We will wait for the case to come to a natural conclusion.”
