CHAKWERA, MPS CALLED TO ACTION AS PARLIAMENT IS SET TO MEET

The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiative has called on President Lazarus Chakwera to set priority areas earmarked for development when he opens Parliament.

The Budget Meeting of Parliament is set to commence on Wednesday.

CDEDI Executive Director, Sylvester Namiwa said Chakwera needs to focus on fulfilling campaign promises of the 9 member Tonse Alliance.

"The better way of ensuring that the preident has been accountable and transparent on all the promises is to give a clear road map so that every malawian should be able to follow." said Namiwa.

Namiwa underscored the importance for Parliament to review some tax policies which he claimed are stifling the private sector and the citizenry.

Namiwa cited the 16.5% VAT on cooking oil as well as hikes in electricity and water tariffs.

"Malawians are struggling to make ends meet as such there is need to engage in a discussion and debate to drop some of these impunitive taxes." explained namiwa.

He further challenged Members of Parliament to rise above party politics and take government to account in the management of Covid-19 funds which have been prone to abuse.