Chakwera optimistic on corruption fight
President Lazarus Chakwera has said the fight against corruption is on the right track but will take time for people to fully appreciate its results.
Addressing a rally yesterday during a brief stop at Msundwe Trading Centre, on his way from Mgwerambabvi CCAP Church in Lilongwe where he attended the Sunday service, the President likened the corruption fight to the foundation of a building, which he said is rarely visible to onlookers yet is critical to the main structure.
He said government is working within the confines of the law in its efforts to address corruption, calling for the need for patience among citizens.
Said Chakwera: “We are paying the price for things to be good. The foundation is invisible from the outside, but it is very important to the whole building. Even if people may not appreciate, we are not stopping. We want things to change for the better.”
Addressing the congregants at Mgwerambabvi CCAP, Chakwera cited an example of a person who approached him with ‘wierd advice’, asking him to cut corners in his fight against corruption.
He stressed that there are no shortcuts, and government has to follow the rule of law in addressing the vice in the country.
Said the President: “The person told me in the face that following the rule of law will not help me. He advised me that I just needed to do whatever I wanted to do regardless of what the law says. But I tell you, that approach will not address corruption.”
He further cited an example of Admarc which, according to him, is “rotten inside”, but government is following proper procedures in addressing the challenges to put the State grain trader back on its feet.
The President then announced that he will soon be leaving for China where, among others, he will discuss the issue of agricultural commodities market with potential buyers.
He further acknowledged that the country is undergoing tough economic times, but assured that for things to get better, some sacrifices have to be made hence the suffering is temporary.
At Msundwe Trading Centre were Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Member of Parliament for Mapuyu North Esther Kathumba faulted the Affordable Input Programme (AIP), saying it has not reached the rightful beneficiaries in her constituency.
She suggested remedial actions if the programme is to start benefiting the right people.
Said Kathumba: “Your Excellency, we need to relook the concept of farmers clubs and their memberships if this programme is to start getting to the right beneficiaries.”
In recent years, experts have called for the review of AIP, arguing the programme has been marred with various challengs including poor administration and corruption, resulting in diminishing benefits.
During the rally, Speaker of Parliament Catherine Gotani Hara, speaking in her capacity as MCP deputy secretary general, hailed Chakwera for implementing development projects across the country without favour.
