Enock Chihana who is President of the Alliance for Democracy (Aford) Saturday alleged that the Malawi Government is planning to impose a K5000 tuition fee on any primary school pupil as a strategy to complement its zero-budget effective next term of school calendar , a development he cautioned might worsen education quality further.
Chihana made the statement at Chibanja ward in Mzuzu when he wooed registered voters to vote for Gibson Chisale the party’s candidate in the August 25 Local Government by-elections in the city.
But deputy Minister of Defense Jappie Mhango who was also in the same area with Northern Region Democratic progressive Party (DPP)governor Keneth Sanga wooing support for George Manda have dismissed the claims saying as far as they are concerned education is still free in primary schools.
Chihana said with parents in primary schools already paying a development fund of K500 every month, apart from paying for health services in the hospitals when sick, it means the government has failed to deliver what it was entrusted by the people to improve life when it came to power in the elections he alleged were rigged.
“I have information within government that there is such a plan and I warn you people against voting for DPP come August 25 polls.” Said Chihana.
He said Chisale is the right candidate to push for better roads, clinics, police community, ADMARC services at council and voice out against what he described as oppressive policies of the DPP led government if they are to be spared from the continued social economic challenges.
But Mhango and Sanga said the political gimmick is meant to brain wash the people so that their party loses trust in the DPP led government.
The Malawi Electoral Commission will conduct polls in Mzuzu to give the residents of Chibanja ward a second chance to elect a councilor who could ably represent them at Mzuzu City Council on matters of development.
Charles Nyirongo who was duly elected during the 2014 tripartite elections died in September this year.
Ulaya Kaunda of Mafunde, Charles Mlogera (MCP) Manda (DPP) Aford (Chisale) Esmey Zinthambo (Umodzi party and Mike Phiri (Independent) will battle for the post.
