‘Leaders’ greed, corruption worsening poverty in MW’
Anewly formed UDF youth grouping called Jubilee 50 Movement has said “greed and corruption” among the country’s leaders are worsening poverty in Malawi.
The group argues that benefits of the country’s economic growth are not trickling down to the masses because they are snatched by a few people in corridors of power.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the group’s national secretary, Judith Ngwira, claimed that Malawi is lagging behind in development because the country’s development agenda has largely been driven by “recycled” politicians she accused of prioritising their personal benefits at the expense of the masses.
“We all know that governance calls for transparency, accountability, equality and the rule of law. There is need to fight greed and corruption, but also consider devolution of power to the citizens.
“The local citizen should be able to ask why there is no development in their area; why there are no medicines in their hospitals and why projects are delayed despite resources being allocated. Those in authority should be transparent enough to account for the resources they are entrusted with,” said Ngwira.
She said there is need for prudent management of the country’s resources to ensure that government contracts are awarded on merit
“The most vulnerable, elderly, underprivileged, needy and marginalised continue to suffer. The current trend is that a few individuals are getting richer and richer. We want economic growth and improvement to be inclusive in Malawi and that its benefits should trickle down to all Malawians.
“There is great need to narrow the gap between the rich and the poor. The small cake available should be shared equally,” said Ngwira in the statement.
The group, which claims to be “non-partisan” despite being affiliated to UDF and promoting the party’s 2014 presidential candidate Atupele Muluzi, also calls for prompt finalisation of the review of the country’s Constitution to address issues of powers of the presidency.
“All Malawians should take ownership of the Constitution. We want the Constitution to be reviewed in totality and not in bits as has been the case and all Malawians to be engaged in the process,” said Ngwira.
The group’s deputy head of research and documentation, Moses Msumba, said UDF will give no room to any old timers in politics, saying the agenda for change drive championed by Atupele needs only fresh blood to take charge of the country’s leadership to bear fruits.
“Our concern is that it is the same people who have been holding leadership positions in this country. Recycled politicians should find other things to do. They have done their part and failed, it’s now time to let other people lead this country,” said Msumba.
On several occasions, Minister of Information Moses Kunkuyu has said the Joyce Banda administration is working “tirelessly” to fight poverty and reverse the economic downturn which had its peak during the late Bingu wa Mutharika’s rule.n
