MDF writes ACB, Ombudsman over corruption in AIP

Makanjira Development Foundation MDF has written Anti-Corruption Bureau ACB and office of Ombudsman on corrupt practices that have marred this year’s Affordable Input Program AIP in ADMARC depots in Makanjira, Mangochi district.

The foundation wrote ACB and Ombudsman after people in Makanjira expressed concern over the rampant corruption in the program

According to records from Makanjira Development Foundation, an organization that promotes rights of people in the community, some officials at Makanjira ADMARC depot are demanding 3000 or 4000 kwacha kickbacks from poor people to facilitate the buying of fertilizers.

Speaking during a media tour in the area, some of the complainants said some Admarc officials are allegedly demanding the said money despite government set price of 7,500 per 50 kilogram through the program.

According to the complainants who Radio Islam has spoken to, are worried with the future of their farming since most of them are poor and cannot afford to pay 3 to 4 thousand kwacha on top of the 7,500 kwacha set price.

Some of them, who opted for anonymity confided with radio Islam that malpractice is happening under the watchful eyes of the village development committee members and councilor of the area.

One of the community member Ibrahim Wyson also testifies that there is corruption practices going on at Makanjira admarc.

“I was denied to buy fertilizer at Makanjira admarc depot when he expressed concern over the officials’ misconduct,” Wyson

Makanjira Development Foundation executive director Osman Kennedy has told Radio Islam that his organization has filed the complaints to ACB and Ombudsman describing the behavior as unjust to the community.

Kennedy said “the misconduct is not only happening in Makanjira but the whole country hence the need for the ACB and Ombudsman to take serious action on the matter if the country is to win the fight against corruption.”

When contacted ACB director Martha Chizuma revealed that she has authorized  investigations  into  a number of complaints regarding the AIP across the country.

Apart from demanding extra money, reports indicate the 2021 Affordable Input Program is also facing challenges like erratic network, vendors buying IDs from beneficiaries and in availability of fertilizer stocks.

Over 3.7 million People are benefiting from this year’s Affordable Input Program AIP.