Gerald Kampanikiza, News Reporter
The Church and Society Program in the CCAP Synod of Livingstonia has called on Malawians to consider abolishing Affordable Farm Input Subsidy Program which is proven to be a failure.
The call comes in the wake of the country’s continued borrowing from local and international financial institūion contributing to an economic quagmire for a majority of the population.
Addressing the media in Mzuzu on Tuesday, the Executive Director for the Church and Society Program, Moses Mkandawire stressed the need for the formulation of forums where issues leading to externalization of money should be seriously and exhaustively discussed.
“We have spent K160 billion of taxpayers money importing fertilizers and yet the AIP is surrounded by serious and organised corruption, how many people are benefiting from that?” Mkandawire queried.
He further urged for the strengthening of NEEF which will lead into more production, job creation and improved education systems leading to substantive inovations.
On the shortage of forex in the country Mkandawire advised the countrys leadership to consider cutting external trips and start delegating diplomats or patriotic citizens in diaspora.
He also appealed to the International Monetary Fund delegation visiting the country from Wednesday this week to consider softening hard rules and regulations imposed on developing countries like Malawi that led to the suspension of grants meant for balance of payment support two years ago.
A week ago government secured US$77.6 Million (K66 Billion) from the United Nation towards implementation of Social Economic Recovery Plan.
Despite embarking on programs aimed at achieving Agenda 2030 which aims at leaving no one behind, Malawi is among countries in the Sub-Saharan Africa whose inflation is still soaring, now at 18 percent.
