CSOs warn of worse Cashgate in councils
A network of civil society organisations (CSOs) in Ntcheu has called upon government to institute a forensic audit of all district councils throughout the country, especially Ntcheu, saying abuse of public funds is rampant in most councils.
Speaking during a consultative meeting Presidential Adviser on Non- Governmental Organisations (NGOs) Mavuto Bamusi held with leaders of various NGOs based in Ntcheu last Tuesday, Save Windows Or p h a n Foundation (Swof) Executive Director, Naomi Chidiwa, alleged that there are a number of projects that have stalled in the district despite contractors pocketing money.
“We are concerned with the level of abuse of funds in the district councils. I, therefore, call upon government not to spare councils in the ongoing investigation of abuse of public funds as there are far much worse ‘Cashgate’ cases in the district councils than at Capital Hill,” Chidiwa said.
Commenting on the issue, Ntcheu CSOs network deputy chairperson, Alinafe Chikakuda, said the number of unfinished projects in the district is alarming.
“A number of infrastructures remain unfinished, a good example being that of the (bus) depot. If you move around the community secondary schools, you will see so many unfinished structures but when you check the records, they were fully paid for,” Chikakuda said.
In his remarks, Bamusi admitted that there were concerns from CSOs on lack of inclusiveness in certain processes, especially at district council level.
“Issues of corruption are being raised as key challenges and the recommendations from the CSOs’ leadership is that the fight against corruption or Cashgate should also be intensified at the district level,” Bamusi said.
He further said the CSOs’ message was the same as what President Peter Mutharika is preaching that he was not going to shield anybody who is involved in Cashgate.
Bamusi then called upon the CSOs to play their rightful watch dog role in making sure the country has a clean society that is development-conscious.
However, Ntcheu District Commissioner, Harry Phiri, said the bus depot project was not their responsibility although the council came up with the proposal.
“The depot is in the hands of Local Development Fund secretariat and they have identified a new contractor who will be on site any time to finish the project,” Phiri said.
Ntcheu CSOs network is made up of more than 20 NGOs such as Nice, Yoneco, Care Malawi and Concern Universal, among others.
A vibrant writer who gives a great insight on hot topics and issues
