By Alick Mhango
KARONGA-(MaraviPost)-Residents of Karonga and Chitipa said they regret the action they took against the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) as well as the violent demonstrations they have been holding in the districts.
The residents humbly said this during the meeting hold by some civil societies in their respective districts on Thursday and Friday.
Speaking to the gathering, Traditional Authority (T.A) Kameme of Chitipa said the closure of MRA offices at Mbirima pause their life on danger.
According to the chief, some strange products which are entering the district without certified by authorities are not good to their life.
“Let me tell you, since the closure of MRA offices at Mbirima, different of products have been entering here without verified or checked. This is not normal, our lives are in danger,” said the chief.
Kameme also said the recent violent demonstrations have affected number of business activities in the district.
The chiefs worried about the future generation the country will have because of the violent demos.
“We are not against demonstrations because it is the right of everyone. However, we as chiefs are against the violent demons. Look what happened in Karonga, and other districts where the primary school learners who are below 18 years did to the District Commissioners’ offices,” he added.
In his remarks, village headman Aliya in the area of Traditional Authority Kilipula in Karonga said the district security is at stake because of the removal of road blocks along Karonga-Songwe border M1 road.
According to him, foreigners are entering the district illegally with their unkown products and items.
“The removed road blocks were part of tightening the security. We did not expect what is happening now. Something must be done quickly otherwise things are not ok,” he disclosed.
Councilor for Chilanga ward Steven Simsokwe also expressed his concern with the torchering of DC and council offices in the district.
“We are failing to find a place to hold our meetings. Even the DC as well as the whole council is failing to do their duties accordingly. Karonga is almost dead now,” he complained.
They all accused foreign business operators for destroying their reputation with the revenue collecting body.
“The foreign business operators especially those from Tanzania are the one telling us things against MRA. They said how the MRA operates here is in the bordered districts is wrong and that is why imported products are expensive. But despite the road blocks were removed things are just the same,” they lamented.
One of the civil societies Edina Mhango thanked the residents for their understanding and revelations.
She said they will try to reason with the authorities to resume their work on the ground.
The meetings which were attended by senior and junior traditional leaders as well as village development committees were held under the theme “Peace, Unity and Development.”
