By Sheminah Nkhoma:
President Peter Mutharika has assured Malawians of a brighter future despite the challenges that have affected the country in recent years.
Speaking on Friday during the opening of the 52nd Session of Parliament in Lilongwe, Mutharika emphasized that his administration is committed to inclusive development where every citizen and leader contributes to building a stronger and more resilient nation.
He said the countrys economic recovery remains a top national priority, highlighting a series of measures that include reinstating open tenders for fuel imports, scaling up the Mpatamanga Hydropower Project, reforming the mining sector, and addressing the ongoing passport crisis.
The President said Malawi is facing a serious economic crisis caused by what he described as misaligned macroeconomic policies and actors.
To stabilize the economy, my administration is engaging international partners for grants and loans while enforcing stronger fiscal discipline and accountability in government operations, he said.
Mutharika also revealed that government will reintroduce a reformed Constituency Development Fund (CDF), allocating K5 billion annually to every constituency, alongside K100 million each for youth and womens business loans.
On the fuel situation, the President said government will revert to open tenders for fuel importation to restore transparency and efficiency in the sector. He said the move aims to eliminate inefficiency and corruption in procurement and ensure a steady fuel supply and proper use of public resources.
The fuel crisis we are witnessing today is due to forex shortages. My government will rectify this problem and ensure a steady supply of fuel across the country, said Mutharika.
He further directed that no public school should demand contributions towards the School Development Fund or any other levies, except boarding fees.
On food security, the President said his administration has reverted to the Farm Inputs Subsidy Programme (FISP), reducing the price of redeemable fertilizer from K15,000 to K10,000 per 50-kilogram bag to ensure that every farmer in rural areas has access to the product.
The President also assured Malawians that government will resolve the passport crisis, saying measures have been put in place to reduce congestion and delays at immigration offices.
We are resuming the printing of passports in Blantyre, Mzuzu, and Mangochi by the end of this financial year, he said.
Wrapping up his address, Mutharika urged Members of Parliament to put aside their political differences and work together to rebuild the economy and improve the welfare of all Malawians.
