United Democratic Front (UDF) legislator for Machinga East Esther Jolobala has accused the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of prioritising road projects in Chiradzulu, Mulanje, Thyolo and Phalombe.
Jolobala told the local media that the ruling party diverted for roads in other areas to construct roads in the four districts which are the DPP’s stronghold districts.
She mentioned the Nsanama-Nayuchi Road Project in Machinga saying funds for the project allocated in the 2018/19 national budget have been used for roads in the four districts.
“In the 2018/19 national budget allocated K2 billion. The Treasury has reduced the budget to K1 billion. But since the passing of the budget in June 2018, nothing has happened on the ground. Surprisingly, in August 2018, the Roads Authority advertised for the contractors to apply for eight roads. And Nsanama-Nayuchi Road, Chiringa-Muloza Road, Salima-Dwambazi Road, Nsulira-Nkhotakota Road (Game Section), Mzimba-Ezondweni-Njakwa Road, Mzuzu-Bula-Usisya Road, Kamuzu Academy-Mtunthama-Kapelula-Wimbe-Nkhotakota Road and Marka-Nsanje Road.
“Our investigations have revealed that Treasury doesn’t have adequate resources. Government has given priority to Chiringa-Muloza Road. I was told government spends about K800 million to K1 billion per kilometre. Not even a design has taken place on the project,” Jolobala emphasised.
The legislator then demanded equal distribution of development projects saying it is unfair for the DPP to only concentrate on road projects in the four district.
“My fear is that the national cake is not shared/distributed equally. Some Malawians should not be treated as if they are more Malawian than others,” she said.
Reacting to the remarks, DPP Publicity Secretary Nicholas Dausi said UDF – which is in a working relationship with the DPP – should not be “castigating or criticising the government of which they are part.”
