By Burnett Munthali
LILONGWE – The Public Affairs Committee (PAC), a quasi-religious body representing a broad spectrum of Malawian society, has expressed hope that President Lazarus Chakwera’s administration will effectively tackle the growing socio-economic challenges facing the country. This optimism follows the committee’s continued discussions with government officials and its focus on pushing for more immediate and tangible solutions to alleviate the hardships faced by ordinary Malawians.
In a recent meeting with Vice President Michael Usi, PAC representatives reiterated their concerns about several critical issues affecting the population, including corruption, the rising cost of living, and the ongoing fuel crisis. These pressing challenges have been at the forefront of public discourse, with many Malawians expressing dissatisfaction over the government’s handling of these issues.
Gilford Matonga, PAC’s spokesperson, emphasized the committee’s belief in the government’s potential to address these challenges. He acknowledged that the administration has made public assurances to tackle the issues at hand and expressed optimism that the government is committed to finding solutions. Matonga pointed out that during their meeting, Vice President Usi reassured the committee of the government’s determination to improve the situation for Malawians.
However, despite the optimism expressed, Matonga made it clear that PAC will continue to advocate for more practical and realistic solutions to the socio-economic problems plaguing the country. He highlighted that the Malawian people are facing real hardships, and while the government’s commitment is appreciated, PAC believes that stronger and more immediate actions are needed to mitigate the high cost of living and improve economic stability.
One of the key concerns raised by PAC was corruption, which continues to undermine efforts to promote good governance and equitable economic growth. Corruption within both the public and private sectors has long been identified as a significant barrier to development, and PAC has repeatedly called for the government to take more decisive steps to combat the issue. The committee emphasized the need for greater accountability, transparency, and a commitment to eliminating corrupt practices that continue to deprive Malawians of opportunities for prosperity.
Another critical issue discussed was the fuel crisis, which has had a severe impact on the daily lives of Malawians. The persistent fuel shortages, compounded by price hikes, have exacerbated the already high cost of living, making it more difficult for families to meet their basic needs. PAC has been vocal about the need for sustainable solutions to this crisis, urging the government to take more concrete steps to stabilize fuel supply and curb its escalating costs.
While Matonga remained hopeful that the government would follow through on its commitments, he also pointed out that the challenges facing Malawians are not abstract issues; they are real problems that demand urgent attention. He called on Capital Hill, Malawi’s seat of government, to implement practical measures that would directly benefit the people. The public’s patience, he noted, is wearing thin, and there is a growing demand for tangible results.
At present, there has been no immediate response from the office of the Vice President regarding the specifics of the meeting with PAC. However, the government’s continued engagement with civil society and stakeholders such as PAC is seen as a positive step towards addressing the country’s pressing issues.
PAC’s proactive approach underscores its longstanding role in advocating for good governance, human rights, and social justice. The committee remains committed to working with the government and other partners to ensure that Malawians receive the support they need, particularly during this challenging period.
As Malawi grapples with these socio-economic difficulties, the relationship between the government and civil society will remain crucial. While the PAC is hopeful that President Chakwera’s administration will rise to the occasion, it is also clear that the path forward will require cooperation, pragmatism, and sustained effort from all stakeholders involved. The stakes are high, and the well-being of millions of Malawians depends on how effectively these challenges are addressed in the coming months and years.
