President Peter Mutharika has challenged newly sworn-in deputy ministers to deliver practical solutions to Malawi’s challenges, citing climate change-induced disasters as an urgent priority. Speaking yesterday after swearing in four deputy ministers at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe, the President said floods linked to climate change have already claimed lives and damaged infrastructure, threatening socio-economic progress. Mutharika said the appointments were meant to strengthen government capacity as the country confronts emerging challenges.
“Your appointment is not an appeasement but meant to add capacity as we confront new challenges. Our country is suffering severe impacts of climate change,” he said. “We have seen devastating floods that have claimed lives and caused huge damage to infrastructure.
This is a clear threat to our development. I urge you to find workable solutions as we gain traction with economic recovery.” The President also warned against corruption, saying he would not shield any official implicated in graft. He urged the deputy ministers to uphold the rule of law, noting that corruption deprives citizens of essential services and stalls development.
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“I do not tolerate corruption. I will unapologetically deal with anyone involved in corrupt practices. There will be no sacred cows,” he said.
The newly appointed deputy ministers are Thoko Tembo for Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development; Chipiliro Mpinganjira for Natural Resources; Edgar Tembo for Industrialisation, Business, Trade and Tourism; and Charles Chilambula for Health and Sanitation. In an interview, Mpinganjira said he would work within the policy direction set by the President and his minister, Alfred Gangata. He said the ministry, being relatively new, would assess existing frameworks and focus on implementation to address pressing challenges.
“There are many issues around natural resources. For example, Malawi is endowed with water, yet some people lack access to potable water. We will review existing policies and work on refining or implementing them to address such challenges,” Mpinganjira said.
On his part, Tembo said he was ready to serve and meet government expectations. “As the President rightly put it, this is not time to eat. I am here to serve the people and address the challenges they are facing,” he said.
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