By Suleman Chitera
Member of Parliament for the South West Constituency in Mangochi District, Shadric Namalomba, has issued a stern warning against corruption in the distribution of subsidized fertilizer, while praising voters for what he described as a decisive choice for change, stability, and development under the Democratic Progressive Party.
Speaking during a charged political gathering at Katema, Namalomba thanked constituents for their overwhelming support, saying the people and traditional leaders had spoken clearly by electing a councillor, an MP, and the country’s leader, Peter Mutharika, all on the DPP ticket.
Namalomba, who also serves as Minister of Information, said the vote was not merely political but a firm rejection of stagnation and a demand for tangible development. He urged residents to remain engaged partners with government, stressing that progress depends on unity, discipline, and accountability at community level.
Turning to fertilizer distribution, the MP delivered a blunt message to traditional leaders and local structures, warning that corruption would not be tolerated. He said government was aware of reports that some individuals—popularly known as “dobadoba”—were extorting villages, demanding up to K50,000 as a precondition for accessing subsidized fertilizer.
“This practice is criminal and must stop,” Namalomba said, emphasizing that fertilizer is a government intervention meant to support vulnerable farmers, not enrich middlemen. He assured the gathering that measures were being put in place to ensure only eligible beneficiaries access the fertilizer, at the right price and at the right time.
Group Village Headman Kalino of Traditional Authority Mponda publicly commended Namalomba for maintaining close ties with the electorate after the elections, noting that several development initiatives are already taking shape in the area.
The event drew large crowds and was marked by song, dance, food, and football matches—celebrations that doubled as a show of political strength and grassroots support for the DPP in Mangochi.
Suleman Chitera
