Mangochi Council to summon MP over kabaza remarks

Mangochi Town Council on Wednesday resolved to summon Mangochi Central legislator Clement Chiwaya (United Democratic Front-UDF) to hear his stand on the order he made against the council to ban bicycle tax operators (kabaza).

During the meeting, members of the council deliberated the proposal which was aimed at bringing sanity for kabaza operators in the district.

Early this year, the council resolved to re-allocate kabaza operators from the main road to designated boundaries effective April 1 2018 to reduce accidents.

But speaking during a Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) rally held at Mangochi Stadium where President Peter Mutharika inaugurated Mlambe One Stop Service Centre, Chiwaya asked the council to rescind the proposal, arguing that doing so would deprive bicycle operators their source of income.

He argued that banning the bicycle operators would force others to quit the trade and become thieves.

Following the remarks, the council failed to enforce the resolution.

In an interview, council chairperson Ibrahim Kacheya said the legislator will be summoned next week to explain his side of the story.

“If the MP fails to come, the council is mandated to implement any policies made without fear or favour of any political leader,” he said.

Ndege Ward councillor Amos Mwenye said the Chiwaya’s remarks were counterproductive.

Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) diocesan secretary for Mangochi Bruno Banda  said duty-bearers need to observe separation of powers when discharging their duties.

He advised the council to implement projects without fear, favour or intimidation from politicians. n