….Plans for solidarity disappointment walk
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Concerned citizens for Nyika-Rumphi-Chitipa Road are demanding President Lazarus Chakwera’s answers as to why the project is not supported despite promises made.
The grouping is disappointed with the Tonse Alliance government for abandoning the road, which is key for communities.
Addressing the news conference on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, in the capital Lilongwe, the grouping warned Chakwera not to get votes in 2025 from communities if the road will not be constructed.
Chairperson for Nyika-Rumphi-Chitipa Road’s concerned citizens’ forum Precious Gondwe wondered as to why the 20 km road that passes through First Lady Monica Chakwera ‘s home has not been worked on for three years in power.
Gondwe observes that Chakwera had overpromised and is not surprised by his failure.
“During the 2020 Presidential campaign Chakwera and his deputy Chilima promised us once get into power will work on this road. But three years now, nothing serious has been done.
“Surprisingly, the road passes through his wife Monica’s home being our in-law like what others do, this road could be completed by now. But nothing,” worried Gondwe.
He disclosed that communities are very disappointed with Parliament for ignoring the petition the grouping presented during the last seating.
- “We are disappointed that the Parliament decided to ignore our petition because the Parliament officials have never invited us so that we can explain what was included in the petition.
“There has been total confusion in the way our government institution works especially in handling issues to do with engagement i.e. we wrote Roads Fund Administration requesting a meeting but we got communication through a letter telling us to go to Roads Authority which when written, we were told that they had a tight schedule and eventually we were told to go and meet the Minister responsible for Transport and Public Works at the Ministry,” reads grouping statement.
The grouping added, “With the abandonment of the works, we feel our Chiefs (Nthalire, Mwaulambia, Mwenewenya, Chikulamayembe, Bolero, Chisenga, Thazima, and Hewe) and the whole of Rumphi and Chitipa feel disrespected, disappointed, frustrated and embarrassed in the way they have been handled.
“Having presented our statements, we are informing our people from Chitipa and Rumphi including all well-wishers in town here, Mzuzu, Rumphi, Chitipa, and countrywide to get ready for the solidarity WALK of DISAPPONTMENT and FRUSTRATION that will be taking place in few weeks to come. The date will be announced through radio adverts and social media”.
There was no immediate reaction from the Ministry of Transport and Parliament on the group’s concerns as we went to press.
