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Parliamentary committee condemns wastefulness

 

Budget and Finance Committee of Parliament has spoken against delayed implementation of development projects, calling for an end to the tendency as it denied Malawians value for billions of kwacha borrowed in their name.

Committee chairperson Rhino Chiphiko took the war on laxity to wasteful government agencies on Wednesday when he led his committee to Karonga and Chitipa where Northern Region Water Board (NRWB) is extending water supply systems to match the rising population growth.

Some of the MPs listen to a NRWB official on the progress
Some of the MPs listen to a NRWB official on the progress

He said all the 31 members of the committee made the trip to ascertain how the statutory corporation is investing loans government obtained on its behalf with the approval of Parliament.

Speaking during the fact-finding tour to Chitipa, Chiphiko said it was impressive that there is value for nearly $11.6 million government borrowed from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (Badea) and that the money is being used diligently.

He said: “We strongly believe NRWB is doing a good job. There are a lot of projects in the country, especially construction of roads, which have not been completed. They run for years and years, one wonders where the money goes.”

The project in Chitipa started on July 1 and the contractors, Plem Construction-HE Jackson joint venture, say about 32 percent of the works have been undertaken.

NRWB expects construction of the water system to increase access to tap water to up to 47 000 people at Chitipa Boma and along the pipeline by 2030.

The progress has earned praises from the Commissions and Statutory Corporation Committee of Parliament as well as the Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development Allan Chiyembekeza.

NRWB director of technical services Mwiza Mtawali commended the committee for efforts to ensure the money government borrows on behalf of its agencies is put to good use, saying the vote of confidence will persuade and strengthen the legislators to support upcoming projects including the ongoing expansion of Karonga water system.

He assured Chitipa residents, who are grappling with dry taps and low access to potable water, that the project is on course to be accomplished by December 31 this year. n

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