Tourism Ministry staff warned against Cashgate repeat

Minister of Information, Tourism and Culture Kondwani Nankhumwa has warned officials in his ministry against abusing public funds again.

Digressing from his prepared speech during a networking dinner for members of Parliamentary Industry, Trade and Tourism Committee on Monday, Nankhumwa said it was very sad that millions of taxpayers’ money were siphoned from the ministry he is heading.

Said Nankhumwa: “We are here to plead with members of Parliament (MPs) to lobby for more allocation to our budget as a ministry, but it will not be good if the funds end up in someone’s pocket.

“During Cashgate, the ministry was used as a conduit for siphoning money and my sincere warning is that those who will try to steal even a penny will be severely dealt with.”

Committee chairperson Willard Gwengwe agreed with Nankhumwa, saying it was shameful that the Tourism Ministry was among the biggest plunderers of public funds.

“As MPs, we will continue to provide checks and balances while ensuring that more resources are provided to the ministry. But Cashgate should not happen again,” said Gwengwe.

Some officials from the Tourism Ministry have been implicated in the looting of billions of taxpayers money which has led to the suspension of aid by Malawi’s bilateral partners.

Over K520 million was used at the ministry to pay for six Marcopolo buses currently lying idle at Police Headquarters at Area 30 in Lilongwe.