By Burnett Munthali
In a pointed rebuttal to President Lazarus Chakwera’s claim regarding the construction of Namiyasi Hospital in Mangochi, Member of Parliament for Mangochi Central, Victoria Kingstone, has contested the President’s statements as misleading and factually incorrect. This controversy highlights a growing tension around the accurate portrayal of development projects and the need for transparency in the government’s communication with the public.
In her response, Kingstone, who has long been a vocal representative of the people of Mangochi, expressed her deep disappointment with the President’s comments, which she described as an attempt to distort the reality of how the hospital came to fruition. According to Kingstone, while the government may have played a supportive role in the development of healthcare infrastructure, attributing the entire project to President Chakwera’s administration is both untrue and unjust. She argued that such claims undermine the hard work and contributions of various other stakeholders, including local leaders, the community, and previous governments, who had laid the groundwork for the hospital’s establishment.
President Chakwera, in a recent address, made claims suggesting that his administration had been solely responsible for the building of Namiyasi Hospital, which serves as a key healthcare facility for the Mangochi region. The President’s assertion was part of a broader effort to highlight his administration’s achievements in infrastructure development, particularly in the healthcare sector. However, Kingstone was quick to point out that the project was not a product of the current government alone, but rather a continuation of efforts that began under earlier administrations.
Kingstone did not mince words when addressing the discrepancy between the President’s statement and the actual facts on the ground. In an official statement, she urged the government to provide the people of Mangochi with truthful and accurate information about the development projects in their area, rather than resorting to what she referred to as “political posturing.” Kingstone stressed that such misleading claims only served to fuel division and misinform the public, particularly in a time when the need for unity and collaboration was more pressing than ever.
The dispute between Kingstone and President Chakwera occurs against the backdrop of a broader issue in Malawi—namely, the credibility and transparency of government communications regarding development projects. Across the nation, various political figures and civil society organizations have raised concerns about the accuracy of government claims concerning the scale and scope of its achievements. These concerns have become even more prominent in the lead-up to the 2025 general elections, with both government and opposition parties striving to stake a claim on the legacy of development work in the country.
In this context, Kingstone’s remarks reflect a growing impatience with what she and other opposition figures view as a tendency by the Chakwera administration to take sole credit for projects that were initiated by previous governments or had long been in the planning stages. Kingstone has called for a more nuanced and honest narrative, one that recognizes the contributions of all those involved in the development process, regardless of political affiliation. She argues that this is essential for ensuring that the public remains well-informed and can accurately assess the progress of their nation’s development.
For Kingstone, the core issue is not just about the accuracy of the President’s claims but also about ensuring that the contributions of the local community are recognized. She pointed out that the people of Mangochi, including local leaders and health professionals, had played a significant role in advocating for and supporting the development of healthcare facilities in the region. These efforts, she argued, should not be overshadowed by political narratives that seek to rewrite history for partisan purposes.
Kingstone also underscored the importance of acknowledging the roles played by previous administrations in the establishment of Namiyasi Hospital. According to her, many of the foundational elements of the hospital’s construction—such as land acquisition, initial funding, and early-stage planning—took place long before President Chakwera assumed office. Therefore, it would be disingenuous for the current administration to claim sole credit for the entire project.
Kingstone’s criticism comes at a time when there is increasing pressure on the government to be more transparent and accountable, especially with regard to public spending and infrastructure development. Many critics of the Chakwera administration have raised concerns about the government’s handling of public funds, particularly in relation to large-scale development projects. Civil society groups, opposition parties, and even some members of the public have demanded greater scrutiny of government activities to ensure that resources are used effectively and that the benefits of development are truly felt by the communities they are intended to serve.
Kingstone’s call for transparency is in line with these broader demands for accountability. She has emphasized that the people of Mangochi—and indeed all Malawians—deserve to know the truth about how public projects are implemented, who is responsible for them, and what the tangible outcomes are. This, she argues, is essential for fostering trust in government institutions and ensuring that citizens can make informed decisions about the direction of their country.
Throughout her statement, Kingstone reiterated the need for collaboration among all sectors of society to achieve sustainable development. Rather than focusing on political victories or attempting to score points over one another, she believes that Malawians must work together to address the country’s challenges and improve the quality of life for all its citizens. In this sense, Kingstone’s message is one of unity and shared responsibility, rather than division or partisanship.
She also called for a more accurate and responsible approach to reporting development projects. As she put it, “The people of Mangochi and Malawi deserve the truth, not political games that obscure the real work being done.” By ensuring that the public has access to honest information, Kingstone believes that the country can make meaningful progress toward achieving its development goals, without resorting to the type of political manipulation that undermines trust in government institutions.
The controversy surrounding President Chakwera’s claim about the construction of Namiyasi Hospital serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability, and honesty in governance. As the 2025 general elections approach, politicians from all sides will likely continue to debate the successes and failures of the current administration. However, for those like Victoria Kingstone, the focus should remain on ensuring that the people of Mangochi and Malawi as a whole are given the full, unvarnished truth about the development projects that impact their lives. Only by doing so, she argues, can the country move forward in a way that is both inclusive and just for all its citizens.
