Ministry of Local Government has given Rumphi District Commissioner Fred Movete two weeks to investigate and report on allegations by Rumphi West legislator Adadawiza Yona Mkandawire that there was misappropriation of funds for a number of projects in the district.
Last week, social media was awash with messages that went viral displaying disagreements between the DC and the Member of Parliament (MP). The differences had mixed reactions from the public through social media. While others called for immediate transfer of the DC, some said what the MP was requesting was a nonstarter and that he did not follow the right reporting procedure.
The Deputy Minister of Local Government Halima Daud on Monday said the Ministry’s investigations have found out that the misunderstandings arose due to misinformation and poor communication between council members and the secretariat.
“The other big problem was lack of transparency and accountability in the council. Whatever is being made in the council should be shared with the stakeholders, for instance, it should be clear on how much money has been used or left for
a particular project,” she said.
She asked Local Government Finance Committee to investigate financial allegations of mismanagement of funds and find out what really happened.
“The Member of Parliament was claiming that the materials procured for some projects in his constituency under Constituency Development Fund (CDF) were not enough and yet the suppliers were paid their money in full.
“I understand there was MK6 Million which the former MP for the constituency used in advance and the council has to pay in arrears, but there was no clear explanation on the same. I would, therefore, like to have a report on that as well so that I appreciate the source of the noise on that,” said Daud.
The Council Chairperson, Councilor Happy Chirambo said he was satisfied with the outcome of the meeting because all issues were settled and that they shall now be working together as a council.
Chirambo said the council will work on addressing the communication gap between the council members and secretariat which he attributed as the source of the wrangles.
Both the DC and MP said there were no more grudgesbetween them and that they were ready to continue working together for the development of the district.
Representatives from National Local Government Finance Committee, Local Government Service Commission and Malawi Local Government Association also attended the meeting.
