By Rahim Abdul
Former Chikwawa Nkombezi Member of Parliament Abida Mia has publicly rejected recent social media claims linking her to the removal of an electricity transformer in the constituency shortly after the September 16 parliamentary elections.
Speaking to local media, Mia clarified that the transformer, which had long struggled to meet the growing power needs of the area, was replaced by the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) as part of routine infrastructure upgrades.
She emphasized that she had no role in the decision or removal process.
Mia also addressed allegations that she had seized a motorcycle ambulance from Chiphwaila Health Centre and a government vehicle at Thelele. She explained that her involvement was limited to assisting with repair costs for the motorcycle ambulance, while the other vehicle had been officially allocated to Chikwawa District Hospital by government authorities.
Describing the circulating claims as politically motivated, Mia urged residents and her supporters to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could create tension in the community.
ESCOM spokesperson Pilirani Phiri corroborated that the social media reports were misleading and reassured the public that the replacement of the transformer was purely technical.
Phiri added that a detailed explanation regarding the infrastructure work would be shared in due course.
Community leaders in Chikwawa have called for restraint and urged residents to rely on official information rather than social media speculation.
