Govt pressured to deal with culprits in the botched UK fertilizer deal
Led the recovery initiative - Chakaka Nyirenda
Critics are demanding prosecution of all officials implicated in the botched 2022 Affordable Input Programme – AIP fertilizer deal in which a UK-based butchery scammed the government millions of public funds.
The call follows the announcement on Wednesday that the government had, through the Munich chief public prosecutor’s office in Germany, secured the return of K516 million of the swindled K750 million.
According to Attorney General Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda, the reimbursed funds are expected to reflect in the Smallholder Farmers Fertilizer Revolving Fund of Malawi – SFFRFM account within two days.
Apart from suggesting trial of the incriminated officials, Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiative executive director, Sylvester Namiwa, is also demanding proof of remittance.
“It is too early to smile because it seems the government has mastered the art of promising and doing the contrary hence our demand for documented evidence of the payment. The culprits should also face the law.”
Also weighing in his views on the subject is Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation executive director,Michael Kaiyatsa who says; “there is need for public confirmation that the money has indeed been transferred hence proof of documentation should be provided.”
He went to emphasize the need for the prosecution of those involved in the deal
“We need to see all those responsible being held to account because it is clear that there was an abuse of resources and flouting of procedures which led to the loss of the money. People should be arrested and not just get fired as was the case with the former minister of agriculture Lobin Lowe,” stressed Kaiyatsa.
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