EU decries late payment for road workers

The European Union (EU) delegation has expressed concern over delayed wage payment to people who are employed to maintain community roads under the Rural Infrastructure Development Programme (Ridp).

Ridp was launched in 1999 by EU in corroboration with the Malawi Government.

Speaking on Tuesday after visiting roads under the programme in Ntcheu, leader of the delegation, Roberto Ridolfy, said it is unacceptable to make people work without paying them wages in time.

“I am told that the road maintenance club members have only received their wages for only one month from January to August this year. This is unacceptable because these people are supposed to have their wages paid monthly,” said Ridolfy.

He said he would take up the issue with the Ministry of Finance before he leaves Malawi to ensure that the problem is addressed.

Ridolfy, however, said he was pleased with the concept of engaging the locals in maintaining community roads.

“This is also used in other countries to provide alternative sources of income for community members,” he said.

Responding to the delays in wage payment, Ridp national coordinator Arthur Chibwana attributed the problem to the country’s economic status, saying they have meagre resources.

“But I am optimistic that this challenge will soon be addressed,” said Chibwana.