Ghost projects irk RU chiefs
Traditional leaders in Rumphi West have asked government to stop “taking citizens for fools” and making false promises.
According to group village head Zung’uzu, chiefs will lead community members in a vigil to force government to construct Kamphenda Health Centre as promised in 2011.
Treasury allocated funds for the project, but a contractor abandoned it at foundation level.
The remote population relies on a dilapidated dispensary with one skilled worker. Some travel over 20 kilometres to the nearest facility, a setback to universal access to quality healthcare services.
“Government must stop taking the people of Rumphi for a ride,” he said. “It is surprising that most projects for Rumphi are empty promises while in other districts, they are well-funded and moving fast,” said Zung’uzu.
The “broken promises” include pledges to upgrade the rugged Rumphi-Nyika-Chitipa Road and construct a teachers training college in Rumphi, said the chief.
“These projects are mere campaign tools. We are being taken for fools,” he said.
Recently, Treasury spokesperson Davis Sado said government withdraws project funds if their allocations are not put to use within a particular financial year.
Ministry of Health spokesperson Joshua Malango urged against demonstrations and asked for more time to consult relevant authorities if Kamphenda Health Centre was included in the national budget. n
