By Rose Cross Mahorya

Mzuzu, February 9, Mana: Speaker of the National Assembly and Vice President of Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Catherine Gotani Hara has warned against nepotism in the distribution of Lean Season Response Program resources, as the practice denies rightful beneficiaries an opportunity to be genuinely assisted.

Speaking at Chibavi Primary School in Mzuzu City on Sunday, when she presided over a political rally organised by the party’s northern chapter, Hara, who is also a Member of Parliament for Mzimba Northeast Constituency, said those caught in this act would be punished accordingly.

“Government acknowledges that some residents in cities are facing economic challenges hence their inclusion in social protection programs.

“We are continuing with the distribution of maize to help reduce hunger amongst households including those in cities. My plea is that those responsible for registering beneficiaries should do so prudently so that everyone benefits,” she said emphasising that government is watching closely to ensure the success of the program.

Hara then appealed to communities in the northern region to support MCP candidates for continuity in development.

“Currently, there are a lot of projects which are either in the pipeline or in progress in the region like rehabilitation of the M1 road, construction of M'mbelwa University and a trauma centre in Karonga.

“For continuation of these and many other projects in the country, there is a need for us to provide support to the party and its candidates including President Lazarus Chakwera,” said Hara.

Earlier, Senior Block Leader for Chibavi East, Franco Gondwe appreciated government for considering some residents in the city to benefit from lean season response program which he said has helped many families in the city escape hunger.

“Due to change in weather patterns, initiatives of urban agriculture have been affected rendering some households without stable source of income.

“But inclusion of the city to benefit from lean season response program has helped many families to have food,” said Gondwe.

He, however, requested government to increase beneficiaries of the same to poor households in some of the city’s slums as a means to absorb some economic shocks resulting from increased cost of living.

During the function, MCP Regional Governor for North South, Joseph Chavula appealed to party members and aspirants to exercise tolerance during primary elections because the party advocates for the peaceful exercise of political rights.

Apart from party officials, other dignitories present during the function were Ministers Jacob Hara, Ken Zikhale Ng’oma, Uchizi Mkandawire and Titus Mvaro of Transport, Mining, Sports and Justice respectively, Mzuzu City Member of Parliament Bennex Mwamlima, Mzuzu City Deputy Mayor Monica Simwaka and some members of Parliament from the northern region.