BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-This commission of inquiry instituted by Karonga District Commissioner in probing issues raised by concerned citizen Wavisanga Silungwe unveiled illegally distribution of land and plots around Karonga main market by councilors in the district.
This was revealed in a report issued by the commission of inquiry that was led by TA Kalonga, the chairperson of the commission.
According to the report, three councilors Smart Mwakayira, Steve Simsokwe and Ngasalayumo Mwangonde had been distributing land, collecting revenue and keeping money illegally around Karonga main market place.
Findings reveals that the Vice Chairperson of Council Mwangonde admitted to have kept about MK2,400,000 that he collected from the market and has been in custody since December, 23 2019 to date following the allegation.
It was also observed that Mwangonde used his discretion as vice chair of council to meet a Mr Harawa of KRADD to develop a plan whose service charge would be paid by council amounting to MK50000 without the knowledge of secretariat and approached a Mr Mwambuli, Chairman of Maize site to be collecting money from his fellow vendors amounting to MK40,000 as allocation fees which was later returned to the vendors.
It was also confirmed that councilor Mwakayira used his political affiliation to the Ruling Party to intimidate the vendors and some government and undermine those in authority including the District Commissioner.
The report also revealed that the two councilors, Mwakayira and Simsokwe also illegally acquired two plots each without proper procedures and received MK30000s from vendors without issuing receipts.
On the probe of allocation of contracts to one person, the commission of inquiry uncovered that tenders were indeed given to particular people only and not giving chances to all vendors following the procurement procedure.
Among the issues raised by Mr Wavisanga Silungwe, he claimed that Golden Nyasulu was illegally representing Karonga Business Forum in the Council business which the commission disclosed that his operation was legitimate as he was elected and underwent orientation of being a representative of a grouping during induction of councils, MPs, Chiefs and interest groups.