Councilors demand Machinga Council’s explanation on K40 million of Climate Smart Program

Machinga district council has come under fire as ward councilors are demanding explanation from authorities for alleged failure to account for over 40 million kwacha meant for beneficiaries of a World Bank funded program, climate smart enhanced public works program who were identified to conserve the degraded environment

To chairperson of Health and environment committee in the district who is also councilor for Kawinga ward Alexander Shoti said 18,834 beneficiaries were supposed to be identified and receive 28, 800 kwacha monthly for four months

However a report released by the council indicates that only 17, 420 were selected and benefited during the first month of January to February of the program hence believing a foul play

The councilors believe that 1414 were included as ghost workers into the program and authorities misused its funds

He added that councilors and traditional leaders asked the district commissioner to reconstitute a committee during a full council meeting two weeks ago and investigate the missing figure but the council has failed to provide the needed information

Machinga district council spokesperson Martin Chiwanda denied the allegations saying all beneficiaries received their money

However reports from inside sources says that ant corruption bureau has launched investigations on the matter