M’mbwela council in spotlight over suspected mismanagement at Mzimba boma health facility
Pressure is intensifying on M’Mbelwa District Council after the Mzimba Youth Organization (MYO) issued a 30-day ultimatum demanding a full-scale investigation into alleged governance and financial irregularities surrounding the Old OPD facility at Mzimba Boma Health Centre.
Addressing the media on Monday, May 4, 2026, at Mzimba Boma, MYO Executive Director Moses Nkhana said the organization’s concerns stem from extensive community engagements, stakeholder consultations, and on-the-ground observations pointing to what he described as “deeply troubling” management practices.
At the centre of the dispute is the transformation of the Old OPD building, which MYO says has undergone visible redesign and reconfiguration without clear evidence that proper legal and administrative procedures were followed.
The organization argues that these changes to the public health facility raise serious questions about compliance with laws governing public assets.
Beyond the structural alterations, MYO has also raised red flags over how rental arrangements linked to the facility have been handled.
The group is questioning whether payments were processed through formal government channels or diverted through informal means, such as personal accounts or mobile money platforms potentially bypassing established public finance controls.
The organization further expressed concern over the lack of clarity surrounding receipting systems and accountability mechanisms, warning that any deviation from standard procedures could amount to financial misconduct.
Citing Malawi’s legal framework on public resource management, MYO stressed that the matter potentially touches on key provisions requiring transparency, adherence to procurement regulations, lawful management of public property, and strict accountability in handling public funds.
It also warned that any abuse of office or irregular financial dealings must be addressed without exception.
MYO is now calling for an independent and comprehensive audit that goes beyond rental collections to scrutinize the entire administrative process behind the facility’s current use.
Among the key issues it wants investigated are the existence of a valid lease agreement, whether a competitive and publicly advertised tender process was conducted, who was involved in awarding the contract, and the criteria used in allocating the space.
The group also wants authorities to establish whether the facility was lawfully leased or otherwise disposed of in line with legal requirements, and whether the financial terms attached to any agreements reflect fair value for a public asset.
As part of its demands, MYO has petitioned the Chairperson of the Lands and Public Works Committee at M’Mbelwa District Council to institute an urgent, transparent, and independent audit covering both financial transactions and administrative decisions tied to the facility.
The organization is also calling for the immediate suspension of all rental-related activities at the site pending the outcome of investigations, alongside the preservation of all relevant documentation including contracts, payment records, and procurement files to safeguard the integrity of the audit.
MYO has given authorities 30 days, starting from May 4, to conclude the investigations and make the findings public, warning that failure to act could trigger unspecified action from concerned citizens.
The group cautioned that the controversy comes at a critical time when efforts are underway to upgrade Mzimba Urban Health Centre, warning that any mismanagement of public assets risks undermining public health goals and eroding trust in local governance institutions.
“Our position is not about targeting individuals, but ensuring accountability,” Public resources must be managed in a transparent and lawful manner, and any wrongdoing must be addressed, regardless of who is involved.”said Nkhana.
Also present at the briefing was Mzimba Lands Network chairperson Takson Amadu, who confirmed that the network has submitted all relevant documentation to the district council, as requested by District Commissioner Emmanuel Bulukutu, signaling growing scrutiny and coordination among civil society actors.
Organizations in Mzimba have been calling for the removal of certain officers from the Physical Planning and Lands departments in the district over the alleged misuse of resources and dubious land sales.
