By Burnett Munthali
Preamble:
The recent State of the Nation Address (SONA) by the President of Malawi in Parliament outlined key national issues and government plans. However, many Malawians are still seeking clarity on critical matters affecting their daily lives. Below are ten pressing questions that demand concrete answers from the President.
Questions
1) Economic Stability: The economy remains fragile, with inflation and the depreciation of the kwacha worsening. What immediate measures is the government taking to stabilize the currency and reduce the cost of living for Malawians?
2) Job Creation: Unemployment, especially among the youth, is a major concern. What concrete plans does the government have to create sustainable jobs and support entrepreneurship?
3) Corruption and Governance: Corruption remains a significant challenge despite numerous anti-corruption pledges. How will the government ensure that high-profile corruption cases are prosecuted without political interference?
4) Public Debt and Loans: Malawi has accumulated substantial debt. What is the government’s strategy to manage and reduce national debt without overburdening future generations?
5) Agriculture and Food Security: With ongoing fertilizer shortages and poor harvests affecting food security, what policies is the government implementing to ensure farmers have access to affordable farm inputs?
6) Health Sector Challenges: Many hospitals face shortages of essential medicines and medical equipment. What steps is the government taking to improve healthcare service delivery and ensure hospitals are adequately stocked?
7) Infrastructure Development: The President mentioned ongoing and planned infrastructure projects. How does the government plan to fund these projects sustainably without increasing public debt?
8) Education and Skills Development: The education sector struggles with inadequate learning materials, low teacher salaries, and overcrowded classrooms. What measures are being taken to improve the quality of education in Malawi?
9) Energy and Power Supply: Frequent power outages continue to affect businesses and households. What realistic solutions does the government have to ensure stable and affordable electricity supply?
10) Political Cohesion and National Unity: Political tensions and divisions remain a challenge. How does the government intend to foster national unity and ensure inclusive governance that benefits all Malawians, regardless of political affiliation?
Conclusion:
Malawians deserve clear and actionable responses to these urgent issues. The success of the government’s policies will be measured by real improvements in economic stability, job creation, service delivery, and governance. As citizens, it is crucial to hold leaders accountable and demand transparency in addressing the nation’s challenges.
