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No project funds lost,says Karonga Council

 Karonga District Council has moved to address concerns over the mishandling of project funds following the town’s stagnant development projects.

A group called Karonga Vendors last week wrote a letter to the Office of the President and Cabinet, copied to Karonga district commissioner (DC), media houses and Paramount Chief Kyungu, expressing worry over funds for road rehabilitation projects.

Participants listen to a presentation during the meeting. |George Mponda, Mana

The letter, signed by 27 businesspersons from around Karonga Town, alleges that K450 million meant for road rehabilitation projects has been diverted to politicians for their campaigns.

Reads the letter in part: “Sources told us that the council received funding to the tune of K450 million to upgrade our town roads to tarmac. We are pleased to note that the contractor is on site. However, we have been informed that some politicians are meeting the contractor behind curtains to get part of the money for their campaign trail.”

On Monday, the council organised a meeting with the businesspersons and political leaders where acting DC Frank

 Mkandawire cleared the air.

“The council is implementing city roads fund project where we are filling up potholes in some selected roads. The project is to the tune of K418 million and so far only K50 million has been spent,” he said.

Mkandawire said the surfacing of the roads with asphalt has stopped due to rains.

Karonga Main Market chairperson Godwin Ghambi admitted that misinformation led them to write the letter to the President.

“The DC admitted that the council did not inform us properly on the progress leading to speculation but we are now aware of the truth about the project and we will relay the same to colleagues,” he said.

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