By Emmanuel Moyo
Authorities in Karonga district have expressed concern over street connected children and sending children to sell goods in the market at night.
The development comes at a time when some children are still seen going around Karonga market selling goods even during late hours.
In an interview with Karonga district labour officer, Peck Chawinga said this is a hindrance to the development of the country.
He said: “Malawi will lose productivity because in these children there is an investment of potentiality that they will be responsible to develop the country if they attain education today.
“If these children do not go to school, they will be dull and they will not be able to develop the nation.”
Chawinga has since urged the parents and guardians to desist from the harmful practice saying it is very bad to children and the nation.
“Sending children to do business at night is against the constitution, it is not on and it is not good to do so,” he said.
In a separate interview, public relations officer for Karonga police station Enock Livasoni echoes Chawinga saying sending children to sell goods at night is an offence.
“Sending children to do business is an offence, once found, parents or guardians of those children will be arrested.” He said.
In Karonga district, most children who sell goods in town claim their parents and guardians send them to do the business.
Sending children to do business at night is among harmful practices which several organizations in Malawi are fighting.