By Burnett Munthali

Phalombe District Council has raised a strong objection to President Lazarus Chakwera’s assertion that 29 houses for security personnel have been built in the district. The council’s chairperson, Agason Sompho, publicly challenged the President’s statement, revealing that no such houses have been constructed in the past five years.

In his State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered on Friday, 14 February 2025, President Chakwera claimed that 29 security staff houses had been completed in Phalombe as part of the government’s efforts to enhance security in the region. However, Sompho, in an interview with Zodiak Online, disputed these claims, stating that the district had not seen any such construction.

“The council was only told that the government intends to construct houses for the men in uniform,” Sompho clarified, further emphasizing that no physical work had been undertaken to build the houses. According to the council chairperson, despite receiving information about the government’s plans, no foundation has been laid, and there have been no signs of any construction activity in the area.

Sompho’s comments reflect the growing skepticism about the accuracy of reports regarding development projects, particularly those related to security infrastructure. The revelation has raised concerns among local residents who are questioning the validity of government claims made in the President’s address.

This situation highlights the need for transparency and accountability in the reporting and implementation of government projects. As the government continues to make lofty promises about infrastructure development, the Phalombe District Council’s challenge serves as a reminder of the gap that often exists between political rhetoric and the reality on the ground.

With the council pushing back against the President’s claims, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to these allegations and whether further investigations into the matter will take place. As residents of Phalombe and other rural areas continue to voice concerns about the accuracy of government reports, the pressure for more honest and accurate communication grows stronger.