Malawi Freedom Network 
By MFN News Desk
September 29, 2026 | 9:47 PM
CHITIPA — Court sheriffs have seized a vehicle belonging to Chitipa District Council over an alleged K74.2 million debt arising from the supply of agricultural seeds under the Songwe River Basin Development Programme in Misuku.
Chitipa District Council spokesperson Aliko Munde has confirmed the development, saying the seizure followed legal action taken against the council by Daniel Simkonda of Shuta Shuta General Suppliers.
According to Munde, Simkonda took the council to court after the supplier allegedly failed to receive full payment for seeds supplied under the programme.
The amount being demanded is reportedly K74.2 million, comprising K48.5 million for the seeds and K25.7 million in court-related costs.
The council, however, maintains that it should not be responsible for settling the outstanding amount.
Munde said the council’s position is that the payment should be made through the main office responsible for coordinating the Songwe River Basin programme in Kyela, Tanzania, rather than from the council’s own resources.
The Songwe River Basin Development Programme is a joint Malawi-Tanzania initiative covering areas on both sides of the border. The Joint Songwe River Basin Commission (SONGWECOM) has its Secretariat headquarters in Kyela, Tanzania, and coordinates implementation of programmes under the basin framework.
Following the seizure of the council vehicle, officials have written to the Ministry of Agriculture and the Director of Legal Affairs, seeking assistance in resolving the matter and securing the release of the vehicle.
The development has placed renewed attention on the financial and administrative responsibilities surrounding projects implemented under the cross-border Songwe River Basin programme.
The council is now awaiting intervention from the relevant authorities as it seeks to have the vehicle recovered and clarify which institution is legally responsible for settling the outstanding debt.
