UTM leader Dalitso Kabambe has backed Speaker of Parliament Sameer Suleman’s move to investigate a number of issues of public concern, while calling on President Peter Mutharika to address Malawians on the matters.
Kabambe says the concerns raised by the Speaker show that the country is facing serious challenges.
Writing on his Facebook page, Kabambe said the situation calls for leaders to act and restore hope among Malawians.
“The time has come for the President to address the nation directly, to foster transparency, restore confidence and demonstrate unwavering commitment to fixing these pressing issues,” he said.
Suleman announced on Wednesday that Parliament had established 12 joint committees to investigate various complaints and allegations brought to the attention of his office.
The committees will, among other things, look into alleged suspicious payments at NOCMA, mining governance, fertiliser coupon distribution, prison conditions, access to justice and passport services.
They will also investigate the performance of the electricity sector and the unbundling of ESCOM, pension complaints and concerns raised by local transporters over the use of international transporters.
The Lilongwe-Salima-Lilongwe Water Project will also come under scrutiny, alongside the dispute between Blantyre Water Board and its chief executive officer.
Suleman said the committees would further look into allegations involving the loss of about K700 million in public funds, as well as corruption concerns in the mining and tobacco sectors.
He said the committees are expected to produce comprehensive reports by the next sitting of Parliament to allow authorities to take action.
On the electricity sector, Suleman said Malawi was the only country in SADC to have unbundled its power sector into three entities — ESCOM, EGENCO and Power Market Limited.
He said the committee would assess whether the unbundling has brought the intended benefits.
Suleman has also challenged the Public Accounts Committee to produce its report on the purchase of Amaryllis Hotel within seven days.
Kabambe’s comments come as Parliament moves to scrutinise the issues, with the UTM leader urging the President to give Malawians answers on the concerns being raised.
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