By Zenak Matekenya

Dedza, September 9, Mana: Clement Mulombwa, the Leader of Members of Parliament (MPs) for Dedza and representative of Dedza South West Constituency, has criticized the district's councilors for postponing a MK4.2 million Dedza District Council meeting, which was adjourned to a later date due to the absence of MPs.

He made the remarks in an interview on Monday after the adjournment of the meeting whose agenda included the district’s lean season response.

Councilor for Mulundini Ward, David Benson asked the house to adjourn the meeting expressing concern over parliamentarians' failure to show up despite the previous meeting’s postponement from Friday, September 6, 2024, to Monday, September 9, 2024, to accommodate the MPs.

Speaking in an interview, Dedza District Council chair Stanley Manase said the house felt that the lean response item on the agenda was sensitive and needed the presence of MPs.

“Although we met the quorum, the house has agreed to postpone the meeting because there is an issue of relief food to be distributed to communities. The fear is that the MPs might have a contrary view of what can be agreed today,” he said.

In reaction, MP Mulombwa acknowledged that the parliamentarians received the full council invitation and in response proposed Monday or Wednesday for them to attend because parliament is in session.

He said the engagements at parliament still made it challenging for the MPs to show up on Monday saying each one of them belongs to at least two parliamentary committees where they face other commitments.

He added that when parliament is in session it is a requirement for every MP to reside in Lilongwe even during a weekend.

Mulombwa described the councilors' excuse as baseless saying full council meetings have taken place prior in the absence of all the MPs.

He therefore said standing orders are clear that the meeting is considered valid when the quorum is met.

“They are serving their own interests than those of the people because we never gave any directive that they should not meet in our absence. Last time, they demanded an adjournment, insisting on meeting the DC in private first,” said Mulombwa.

He said it’s sad that about MK 4.2 million has gone under the drain while people in the village are suffering from hunger.

Dedza District Civil Society Organization Chairperson Osborn Nyirongo expressed frustration with the development.

He said the full council exists to discuss pertinent issues that affect people and failure to hold such meetings as scheduled delays projects and affects the rural masses.

He urged the MPs and the councilors to improve their communication for the benefit of the people arguing that if proper communication had been made between the two parties’ likely the meeting could have taken place.

“It seems all councilors had no idea of what happened to their MP for them not to come,” he said.

Senior Chief Kachindamoto said it is important for every member of the house to be present during deliberations because it is a requirement in the line of serving the communities.