By Burnett Munthali-February 14, 2025
Rumphi-West MP challenges President Chakwera’s development claims
On Friday, 14 February 2025, Jona Mkandawire, the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Member of Parliament for Rumphi-West, strongly criticized President Lazarus Chakwera’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), accusing him of providing misleading information regarding development projects in the constituency.
Speaking shortly after the President’s address in Parliament, Mkandawire expressed his disappointment, arguing that several projects Chakwera claimed to have been completed in Rumphi-West did not exist. He categorically dismissed the President’s remarks, stating, “Whatever the President said today about developments in my constituency is a complete lie.”
Among the projects Mkandawire contested were the construction of health centers and road networks, which he insisted remained either incomplete or had not even begun. He argued that government officials had fed the President false information, painting an inaccurate picture of progress while the people of Rumphi-West continued to struggle with poor infrastructure and inadequate services.
A prime example of these alleged fabrications was the supposed completion of Kamphenda Health Centre. While the President had been informed that the facility was fully constructed and operational, images from the site told a different story. The structure appeared old and abandoned, with no visible medical staff, equipment, or functional services. Frustrated by the misrepresentation, Mkandawire questioned, “How can they say it is completed when there is nothing but an empty building?”
The MP’s statements sparked concerns over the accuracy of government reports and the accountability of those tasked with overseeing development projects. His bold remarks resonated with many Malawians who have long suspected that progress in rural areas was often exaggerated for political convenience.
Mkandawire urged the government to stop misleading the public and instead focus on delivering real and tangible improvements. “Our people deserve the truth. It is time to stop making empty promises and start implementing meaningful change,” he stressed.
His strong stance gained traction, with residents of Rumphi-West voicing similar frustrations and demanding greater transparency and urgent action from authorities. Whether the government would address these allegations or continue to defend its claims remained uncertain, but Mkandawire’s challenge had undeniably put pressure on officials to be more accountable in their reporting.
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