Business community accuses Chikwawa district council of corruption

Malawi: Chikwawa Business Alliance (CBA) has urged the Anti-Corruption Bureau, the media fraternity, all Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Malawi, and the entire Shire Valley to assist in eradicating alleged corruption and procurement anomalies at Chikwawa District Council, claiming that turning a blind eye creates a fertile ground for corruption.

According to a press release dated August 11, 2022, the Chikwawa Business Alliance is deeply concerned about the alleged procurement officer's abuse of office at the Chikwawa District Council, as well as alleged unprofessional conduct by most secretariat staff, the Corruption practices that are now rampant, and, among other things, a lack of commitment among Chikwawa District Council staff and some non-governmental organizations to support the growth of small scale businesses despite receiving funding.

According to the statement, there are allegedly no pre-qualified suppliers at the Chikwawa District Council, so the last call for suppliers at the council was advertised in 2018 and there hasn't been a call for pre-qualified suppliers since, an exercise that is supposed to be done annually.

Another component is the alleged abuse of office, where the procurement department appears to have the approval of the district Commissioner to demand a 10% commission from suppliers.

The statement further says there are a number of business owners in the district who have allegedly boycotted the 10% commission and have been barred from transacting with the council despite having all of the necessary business documents.

Some officials even allegedly demand 10% on airtime purchases and a bottle of Fanta, despite the fact that profits from these do not exceed 5%.

According to the statement, figures show that MK 2,000,000 to MK 5,000,000 was allegedly demanded from contractors before allowing them to sign contracts, and evidence of some projects fraudulently awarded without proper procedures is available (Masenjere Market toilet, Mitondo Market toilet, Mitondo Health Center toilet and Bereu Market toilet ).

This statement was made during a press conference held on August 11, 2022, at New Hope Lodge in Dyeratu, Chikwawa.