Catholic NGO in Zomba grabed by the neck

Members at Zomba District Council in Malawi’s old capital have accused some Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) operating in the district for providing people with poor services.

The accusations came after Catholic Development Commission (CADECOM) provided poor materials for the construction of houses to flood victims under disaster recovery program.

Speaking at full Council last week, Member of Parliament for Zomba Thondwe Charles Thikiwa expressed his disappointment with CADECOM for supplying with building materials which are not worthy for the project.

‘’I was informed that materials which are being provided to people affected with floods are of poor quality, said Thikiwa.

He said he found that materials such as poles, window and door frames made from poor timber production and even not planed and found that materials are being supplied all the way from Mzuzu and Lilongwe.

The Parliamentarian further urged fellow council members not to allow such projects to continue in the district but rather to take such NGOs to task.

He also warned all NGOs who come in the district to implement projects to be serious when assisting Malawians not to make their names by cheating poor people.

However Thikiwa said that the council appreciates the efforts of NGOs such as CADECOM in supporting government in implementing various programs.

In his reaction, CADECOM Director George Phiri totally agreed with Legislature saying his observation is true.

‘’It is true that materials we have brought are not worth in building someone’s house and here at CADECOM have noted, ‘’said Phiri.

Phiri added that even the supplier is aware that CADECOM in Zomba have rejected materials due to poor quality materials.

He also said CADECOM on its own has no power when it comes to procurement because it is done by Catholic Relief Service which is its donor.

In July this year, CADECOM presented its project the council to build 450 houses in the area of Traditional Authority Mwambo to flood victims.

Councillor Wilson Likhusa for Ntungulutsi ward in Zomba Lisanjala Constituency who is also Chairperson for Health Service Committee at the council said his committee in collaboration with Zomba District Health Office is expecting to meet representative of all NGOs that provide health services in the district in order to know what they are doing on the ground.

Councillor Likhusa told the house that the decision to meet them has come after realizing that some of these NGOs cheat DHO.

‘’We just want to share what they are doing on the ground with the money they receive from their donors, ‘’said Councillor Likhusa.

According to Zomba District Health Office, more than MK3 billion is expected to be used for health services by NGOs which are implementing health projects this year.

The District Commissioner Bennet Nkasala also said that the council is interested to follow this issue and will meet them soon.

This has come few days after the council embarked on supervision of NGOs in areas where they are implementing different programs.

The District Commissioner is expected to comment soon whether the council is satisfied or not after the supervision activities is finished.