Malawi’s parliament has opened investigations into alleged mismanagement of public funds, delays in critical water infrastructure and claims of corruption in the mining and tobacco sectors, in a fresh push to strengthen government accountability.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Sameer Suleman, said on Wednesday that joint parliamentary committees have been formed to investigate a series of complaints submitted to his office and other matters requiring parliamentary scrutiny.

The investigations will include allegations that foreign transporters have been favoured over Malawian companies in the movement of goods, as well as delays in implementing the Lilongwe-Salima-Lilongwe Water Project.

According to Suleman, the committees will also examine a dispute involving the Blantyre Water Board and its chief executive officer and allegations over the loss of about 700 million kwacha ($400,000) in taxpayers’ money.

Suleman said corruption allegations in the mining and tobacco industries will also come under scrutiny and Parliament’s role is not simply to assign blame, but to establish the facts, identify institutional weaknesses and recommend measures to protect public resources and improve service delivery.

He cautioned that the allegations under investigation should not be treated as established facts.

He further said the committees will summon relevant institutions and hear from affected parties, civil society organisations, professional bodies and members of the public before presenting their findings and recommendations to Parliament.

The probes come as Malawi faces mounting public concern over the management of public resources and the delivery of essential services, including water, electricity and other basic infrastructure.

Aspolo Mousah – Staff Reporter, Lilongwe