The main organizing committee for the 53rd Independence Anniversary Commemoration, revealed that Government spent K80 million on the July 6 Independence Celebrations.

According to Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, Joseph Mwanamvekha, the Committee had a budget of K100 million for the celebration of July 6. However, President Peter Mutharika directed that the money should not exceed K80 million. Hence only 80 million was released by the Treasury Department.

“The key expenditure in the budget were logistics for the clergy and choirs, venue bookings, and related costs, logistics for the two teams Nyasa Big Bullets, and Silver Strikers, and related costs for the local football match, security costs, and production of commemoration cloths,” said Mwanamvekha.

Mwanavekha further disclosed that the figures were opening revealed to the press for counter ability purposes; so as to discredit the critics that put the figure at a higher amount.

Mwanamvekha was accompanied to the press briefing by his counterparts Nicholas Dausi, and Jappie Mhango.

This vast expenditure, comes at a time when public schools and hospitals lack basic necessities to function properly.