European Union warns on misuse of donor funds
The European Union (EU) has asked the government to engage an extra gear in fighting corruption, saying the block is committed to eliminating the vice in all its member countries.
EU Head of the Social Sectors and Infrastructure Section in Malawi, Fernando Trabada, said bribery and misuse of public funds have adverse effects on national development.
He made the remarks yesterday when he handed over toilets and water kiosks in five low-income areas of Blantyre.
The facilities have been constructed using funds from the EU, through the Extending Water Supply, Sanitation, Hygiene and Solid Waste Management Services Project being implemented in low-income areas of Blantyre.
The K156 million project was being jointly implemented by Blantyre Water Board (BWB), Catholic Development Commission in Malawi and Water for People.
“[Our] development policy has been revised in light with of the Sustainable Development Goals. We all know that misuse of funds, corruption and bribery have serious negative impacts on development, aggravating poverty, conflicts, political, social and economic instabilities. We strongly advise duty-bearers to exercise transparency and accountability,” Trabada said.
Trabada said the EU is convinced that the promotion of transparency in government spending is an important approach in reducing cases of corruption.
“EU remains committed to supporting the government of Malawi and its policies to ensure healthy living conditions and a better environment for all Malawians,” Trabada said.
At least 27 modern toilets and 42 water kiosks have been constructed in Machinjiri, Nancholi, Chilobwe, Kameza and Lunzu townships of Blantyre.
One of the implementing partners, BWB, said the project has helped them to provide water to hard-to-reach areas.
The water kiosks are within the reach of 24,000 people who were using water from open sources, according to implementers.
Blantyre District Education Officer, Evelyn Mjima, said the toilets would promote good hygienic practices. She said, before construction of the toilets, 170 learners were using one toilet at one of the primary schools in the catchment area.
Also present during the handover ceremony was Blantyre City Deputy Mayor, Councillor Joseph Makwinja
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