Karonga District Civil Society Organisations (CSO) Network has accused Karonga District Council of irregular sale of an ambulance and tricycles donated to Karonga District Hospital and reported the matter to Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).
The CSOs Network reported the matter after being unsatisfied with the response which the council provided last Tuesday during a Full Council Meeting.
In a letter signed by the network’s chairperson Edgar Phiri, the network urges the ACB to immediately take action.
Reads the letter in part: “The network and concerned communities write to you under the Corrupt Practices Act and in fulfillment of our constitutional duty to protect the public’s interest to formally lodge a complaint and demand an urgent and thorough investigation into the unexplained and suspicious sale of critical public health assets.
“Specifically, ambulance registration BU 7908 and several medical tricycles by Karonga District Council and two other cars.”
However, in an interview, Karonga District Council chairperson Bellium Msukwa maintained the council’s stand, saying it followed necessary auction procedures.
He said: “The vehicle in question operated for five years and its maintenance costs were exorbitant.
“Again, government rules and regulations say that after five years, you can dispose of that property.”
In another separate interview, Karonga District Council spokesperson George Mponda said they engaged the CSOs on the council’s intention to sell some of the idle assets.
“During a Full Council Meeting held on February 10 2024, the council resolved that all items lying idle in various stations should be sold by a public auction,” he said.
ACB spokesperson Egrita Ndala confirmed receipt of the letter, saying it will be reviewed to assess its merit.
