Dedza MPs fault councillors for adjourning council meet
Members of Parliament (MPs) in Dedza District have faulted the decision by councillors to suspend a full council meeting due to absence of legislators.
In an interview on Monday, leader of MPs in Dedza, Clement Mulombwa (Dedza South West Constituency), described the move as unfortunate.
He said postponing the full council meeting on Monday whose agenda included the district’s lean season response activities was retrogressive.
Mulundini Ward councillor David Benson asked the house to adjourn the meeting and expressed concern over the MPs’ failure to show up despite the previous meeting’s postponement from Friday, September 6 2024 to Monday, September 9 2024, to accommodate legislators.
Dedza District Council chairperson Stanley Manase said although they met the quorum, the house agreed to postpone the meeting because they feared that the MPs might have a contrary view on their resolutions.
But in reaction, Mulombwa acknowledged that they received the invitation for the full council meeting on Monday, but said when Parliament is in session, it is a requirement for every MP to reside in Lilongwe.
He described the councillors’ excuse as baseless, saying full council meetings have taken place before in the absence of MPs.
Dedza District Civil Society Organisation Network chairperson Osborn Nyirongo expressed frustration with the development.
He said the full council exists to discuss pertinent issues that affect people and failure to hold such meetings as scheduled delays projects.
