A report which has been released by the office of the Ombudsman says K17 billion funds meant for COVID-19 interventions were used inappropriately by councils with more funds spent on allowances.
The report follows investigations conducted by the office into how the K17 billion COVID-19 funds were used between January and June last year. The report says there were no proper processes to provide checks and balances in the use of the funds.
The report of the systematic investigation which was done in the districts of Phalombe, Zomba, Karonga, Lilongwe and Ntcheu has shown that more funds were spent on sitting allowances rather than the actual procurement of drugs, supplies and PPEs among others.
According to Ombudsman Grace Malera, 30 to 50 percent of the funds initially meant for the COVID-19 fight were spent on allowances where the numbers of participants were inflated in addition to misappropriation and over expenditure of fuel and other resources among others.
The report has also revealed that there was no citizen involvement in how the councils used the funds including weak controls and oversight by controlling officers.
Malera says there is a need for government to come up with clear decisive measures on how it will handle the officers involved.
She says there is a need for a strengthened system of checks and balances and that the Auditor General should follow up on the report with extensive forensic investigations of the findings.
In addition, Malera says the government should review funding modalities and that councils should investigate those involved.
Among other details, the report has shown that Lilongwe used 21 percent, Ntcheu 31 percent and Zomba 43 percent of their allocation on sitting allowances.
The report on how the K17 billion was abused in the district councils follows another report which also showed similar results on how another K6.2 billion of COVID-19 funds were used.
Youth empowerment in action: Judith Msusa applauds success of Business Acceleration for Youth Project By Burnett Munthali, November The Director of Youth in the Ministry of Youth, Judith Msusa, has expressed her satisfaction with the impact of the Business Acceleration for Youth (BAY) project, describing it as a transformative initiative for empowering Malawian youth economically. Msusa commended the project during a visit to some grant beneficiaries who have successfully turned their ventures into thriving enterprises. Speaking during her visit, Msusa lauded the program for equipping young entrepreneurs with the tools they need to enhance their livelihoods. "The government is impressed with the youth who, through this initiative, have been able to increase their revenue streams. This not only enables them to live decent lives but also positions them as job creators for their peers," she said. Msusa emphasized the project's role in fostering a generation of self-reliant, innovative, and economically active young people. Adding to Msusa's sentiments, David Slane, Chief of Party for the project, expressed his own delight at the progress made. "It’s rewarding to see these young individuals demonstrating tangible successes as a result of this support. They are living proof of what is possible when young people are given the right opportunities and resources," said Slane. The three-year BAY project, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is being implemented by the Alliance of Biodiversity International and the Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT). Focused on the districts of Zomba, Balaka, Chiradzulu, Chikwawa, Machinga, and Mangochi, the project aims to nurture the entrepreneurial spirit among youth by providing grants, mentorship, and technical assistance. During the visit, several beneficiaries shared their inspiring stories of transformation. One of them, a poultry farmer from Mangochi, recounted how the project’s financial and technical support helped her scale her business, enabling her to employ two additional workers. Another young entrepreneur in Zomba, specializing in agro-processing, highlighted how mentorship from the project helped him navigate market challenges and significantly increase his revenue. These testimonials reflect the project's profound impact on communities. Beyond financial gains, the BAY initiative is helping youth build confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose, all of which are critical for sustaining long-term economic growth. As Malawi grapples with high unemployment rates among the youth, the BAY project stands out as a beacon of hope. With continued support from USAID and partners, the initiative could serve as a model for youth empowerment not only in Malawi but across the region. Msusa’s visit underscores the government’s commitment to supporting programs that align with its broader vision of reducing poverty and unemployment. "The youth are the backbone of our nation," Msusa concluded. "Projects like BAY remind us of their untapped potential and the immense possibilities that emerge when we invest in them strategically." The success of the BAY project serves as a testament to the power of collaboration between government, development partners, and the private sector in addressing pressing societal challenges.
