The Maravi Post

BLANTYRE—Organizers of the January 17 mass strikes, especially the Consumers Association of Malawi (Cama), feels vindicated following Malawi President Joyce Banda’s admission that her administration underrated the impact of the economic reforms they are implementing in the country.

Speaking briefly to journalist on Friday, the Malawi leader said her administration noted that the impact of the economic recovery reforms was “underestimated due to inaccurate information and they used the data from the previous administration.”

Pres Banda conceded that the reforms will have a negative impact on livelihoods of the people. But consumer rights activist John Kapito said it is “very unfortunate” that the Banda administration failed to understand the impact of the devaluation and floatation of the Kwacha.

“It is unfortunate that the country is failing to make independent decision,” said Kapito.

He said Malawians should expect more hardship ahead.

Meanwhile, the organizers of the consumer’s demonstrations have released a list of routes participants will use during the demonstrations.

Malawi’s capital Lilongwe hasn't been included on the list because organizers in the capital city are yet to come up with their schedule as they still meeting, according Kingsley Mabalani, spokesperson of the organizing committee.

The list shows routes the participants will take in two cities of Blantyre and Mzuzu. Residents in districts of Karonga, Mangochi and Zomba have also expressed interest to participate in the demonstration, but are yet to come up with their programmes, he says.

Mabalani said protesters in Blantyre are expected to be in three groups, with one of them clustering at Illovo Sugar Malawi head office in Limbe, the second group assembling at Upper Stadium along the Chipembere Highway and the last group converging around the clock tower downtown Blantyre.

He claimed that they have engaged all relevant authorities including the district councils and police to ensure peaceful demonstrations, come January 17.

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(c) The Maravi Post 2013

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