By Grace Makawa:
The Consumers Association of Malawi (Cama) says it will support efforts by Speaker of Parliament Sameer Suleman to establish committees to investigate concerns surrounding the management of government departments and public institutions.
Cama Executive Director John Kapito said the organisation is interested in the proposed investigations because they touch on issues that directly affect consumers, including electricity supply, fuel availability, public resources and the delivery of essential services.
Speaking in Lilongwe Thursday, Kapito said Cama’s lawyer is examining an injunction obtained against the establishment of the committees and is expected to provide guidance by next week.
“Cama wants to participate in the matter to ensure that consumers’ interests are represented in the process,” Kapito said.
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The High Court has temporarily stopped Parliament and Suleman from proceeding with the establishment or operationalisation of the proposed joint ad hoc committees.
The order was issued on September 4 following a judicial review application by private citizen Austin Mkoka, who is challenging the legality of the parliamentary investigations.
The proposed inquiries cover several public institutions and issues of national concern, including the National Oil Company of Malawi, electricity-sector institutions, the Immigration Department and fuel supply.
Kapito said Cama believes there is a need for greater accountability in the management of public institutions, arguing that weaknesses in public service delivery ultimately affect consumers.
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He also criticised the use of generators to address electricity blackouts, particularly at a time when the country is facing fuel supply challenges and foreign exchange constraints.
“Government should instead prioritise repairing existing power-generation equipment and expanding the country’s electricity-generation capacity,” Kapito added.
He further raised concerns over fuel shortages and rising prices, saying consumers continue to bear the consequences of challenges affecting the availability and affordability of essential commodities.
Meanwhile, in a statement issued Thursday evening, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Justin Saidi said the Constitution does not allow the Speaker or the National Assembly to “unilaterally” constitute ad hoc parliamentary committees.
Saidi’s statement appeared to be a rejection by the Executive of Suleman’s directive to establish committees to investigate matters involving several public institutions.
