Peter Mutharika accuses MPs of double standards
President Peter Mutharika has vowed that he will not abolish the Decent and Affordable Housing Subsidy Programme (DAHSP) commonly referred to as malata subsidy.
The remarks follow the ongoing criticism from Members of Parliament (MPs), and economic analysts that the programme is not worth the cost.
Speaking on Monday during a township roads inspection tour in Blantyre, Mutharika accused the MPs of demanding subsidised loans and yet being on the forefront to shoot down the malata subsidy.
“I want to assure you that the Malata Subsidy Programme will go on. This programme will not end. Over my dead body! I know this programme is working and that it is benefiting a lot of Malawians, so don’t worry, the programme will go on and continue improving the lives of Malawians,” he explained.
Speaking at Bangwe Township, one of the places he toured, Mutharika said he wants to improve street lighting in the city by erecting electricity poles from Clock Tower in Blantyre to Limbe- Midima Roundabout.
“My fellow Malawians, I want to urge you to honour your [water and electricity] bills so that development of this country should continue. The lighting initiative will require your cooperation because the money you pay for your bills is used for implementation,” he said.
Mutharika also called on Malawians to stop taking the law into their own hands when they suspect anyone of committing a crime especially those involved in the abduction and killing people with albinism.
“It’s a shame that Malawi is being known worldwide for the wrong reasons. Whoever is involved in these barbaric acts is very bad, silly and most of all stupid because this country is known for peace and they are trying to disturb it. It’s a shame that these herbalists claim that they will make whoever rich when they are poor themselves,” said Mutharika.
Commenting on Mutharika’s sentiments, Chancellor College-based economist, Ben Kalua, said government should find other means to help people afford decent houses other than the subsidy which is ripping off tax payers.
During the tour Mutharika reiterated that he has plans of making Blantyre a beautiful city through the construction of a stadium, five star hotels and a convention centre.
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