Peter Mutharika calls for discipline among soldiers
President Arthur Peter Mutharika who is Commander-In-Chief of the Malawi Defense Force (MDF) has asked soldiers in the country to maintain discipline and professionalism when executing their duties.
Mutharika, who also Minister of Defence, made the call in Mzuzu on Monday when he interacted with soldiers and their spouses at Moyale Barracks.
He said the MDF has in recent years raised the country’s flag well in all peace keeping missions and that former United Nations General Secretary Ban ki Moon rated it as one of the best.
“I would like to call on all of you men and women in uniform to remain disciplined and professional in your duties. Also look after your families, children and spouses because they are the ones that support you for you to function,” said Mutharika.
Commenting on the challenges that soldiers and other security agencies are facin, Mutharika said that efforts are in place to improve the situation.
The President told the soldiers that in January 2018, government plans to roll out a mega housing project for officers in all the four security arms.
“I am aware that the infrastructure in the barracks’ is old and insufficient, however efforts to improve the situation and our soldiers’ welfare are in place. In January we are launching a housing program in all the security services,” Mutharika said.
“We are addressing the transport challenges as we have procured vehicles, and we will continue to recruit more personnel every year until we have about 15,000 or more soldiers.”
Mutharika then revealed that preparations for construction of a state of the art military hospital in Lilongwe are at advanced stage.
During the event Mutharika gave a K5 million cheque to the MDF Women’s welfare group and then proceeded to Mzuzu Central Hospital where he cheered soldiers who survived the Mapanjira accident a week ago which claimed lives of their 22 counterparts.
In his speech MDF commander General Griffin Supuni hailed government for addressing the transport challenges that the Malawi rifles have been facing by procuring 42 additional vehicles.
“As I speak nine are already in the country and 33 are on the way from South Africa and will come in two consignments,” said Supuni.
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