By Staff Reporter

The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has publicly challenged Minister of Lands, Chimwemwe Chipungu, to explain the source of the money allegedly being used to finance the construction of a luxury hotel in Lilongwe and the acquisition of several high-value vehicles.

Addressing a press briefing in Lilongwe on Monday, CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa said the organisation is demanding transparency from the minister over what it described as unexplained wealth.MWENYE KIDNAPPING SAGA: Mustak Chotia implicates Mr Dipak Jevant of Sealand Investments

Namiwa alleged that the hotel, identified as BackPark Yard, is currently under construction in Lilongwe and is estimated to cost more than MK1.5 billion.

He said CDEDI wants Chipungu to publicly disclose how such a project is being financed, arguing that Malawians have a right to know the source of wealth accumulated by public officials.

“We are asking the Minister of Lands to come before Malawians and explain where the money for this hotel is coming from,” Namiwa said.

The governance watchdog also alleged that Chipungu owns several luxury vehicles, including a Nissan bearing registration number CMC 7, claiming that the minister has acquired a total of seven vehicles with an estimated combined value of MK2.8 billion.Pakistani Businessman’s Postmortem Report to Be Used as Evidence in Murder Trial

Namiwa said the minister should provide documentary proof showing how the vehicles were purchased or, if they were received as gifts, explain who provided them and under what circumstances.

“CDEDI is not accusing anyone without reason. We are demanding accountability and transparency from those entrusted with public office,” Namiwa said.

He argued that public officials have a responsibility to account for significant wealth, particularly at a time when many Malawians are facing severe economic hardship marked by rising prices, unemployment and declining living standards.

Namiwa said the organisation will continue pressing for answers and vowed not to remain silent while allegations of unexplained wealth involving public office bearers continue to emerge.

“CDEDI cannot watch as ordinary citizens struggle to survive while some individuals appear to accumulate enormous wealth without satisfactory explanations. Public office must never be used as a gateway to personal enrichment,” he said.The controversial passport contract: A threat to Malawi’s national security

The organisation has urged relevant state institutions, including anti-corruption and financial oversight bodies, to ensure that questions surrounding the alleged assets are independently examined in the interest of accountability and public confidence.

The allegations made by CDEDI have not been independently verified, and Minister Chimwemwe Chipungu had not publicly responded to the claims at the time of publication. Malawi Freedom Network will seek his response, which will be published once received.