By Burnett Munthali
President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has called on officials responsible for distributing food and loans to refrain from corruption and dishonesty, urging them to serve Malawians with integrity. Speaking at Mchezi in Senior Chief Chimutu’s area in Lilongwe North East Constituency on Thursday, the President expressed concern over reports of some officers demanding bribes, which hinders service delivery and frustrates deserving beneficiaries.
“We must desist from acts of corruption. We must be honest people who should provide the much-needed services to people without asking for bribes,” Chakwera said. He emphasized that Malawians deserve quality services without being subjected to punitive practices by those entrusted with public service roles.
The President’s remarks came during his first stop on a district-wide tour in response to food shortages caused by dry spells. He highlighted the need for fairness in distributing relief items such as maize, which is crucial for affected communities.
Chakwera’s appeal reflects his administration’s commitment to combating corruption and ensuring vulnerable populations receive the support they urgently need. He stressed that government officials must prioritize the welfare of Malawians, particularly during challenging times.
Winston Kayipanjira, the Member of Parliament for Lilongwe North East, thanked the government for various development projects in the area, including the construction of a police unit and ten houses for police officers.
“We thank you, Your Excellency, for giving us a Police Unit here and ten houses for the police officers,” Kayipanjira said.
However, he also highlighted the need for a government secondary school in the constituency, noting that students currently have to walk long distances to access education.
Senior Chief Chimutu commended the government’s efforts in providing relief food to vulnerable residents in his area. He acknowledged that the intervention had helped ease the food challenges faced by many households.
“The food distribution has brought great relief to our people during these difficult times,” the chief said.
A Call to Action
President Chakwera’s address serves as a reminder to public servants to uphold integrity and prioritize the needs of citizens. As Malawi grapples with the challenges of food insecurity, his call for fairness and transparency in service delivery is critical to building trust and ensuring that assistance reaches those who need it most.
The government’s continued focus on development projects and social support systems remains essential in addressing the pressing needs of Malawians and fostering national progress.
