By Burnett Munthali
Ministers update House on fuel, power, food security, and Inspector General confirmation
Lilongwe — Minister of Information, Communication and Technology, Shadric Namalomba, has described the second week of the ongoing parliamentary session as highly productive, highlighting several critical national issues that were deliberated in the House.
Speaking to journalists on Friday after wrapping up the week’s proceedings at Parliament, Namalomba said government ministries provided crucial updates on matters affecting the country, including fuel scarcity, persistent power outages, food security, the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), economic pressures, and the confirmation of the new Inspector General of Police.
“Several important issues were brought forward by at least four ministers. These included the availability of fertiliser, fuel supply concerns, and matters relating to the CDF,” Namalomba said.
He explained that discussions focused on how best to address these challenges, as they directly impact government operations and the wellbeing of Malawians.
The minister emphasized that the government remains committed to national development, guided by the Malawi 2063 vision and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) manifesto.
“Development is a continuous process. It does not matter which administration initiated certain programmes. Our responsibility is to build on what was started and move this country forward,” Namalomba said.
Leader of the Opposition, Simplex Chithyola Banda, also described the week as eventful, noting that general debates centred on key national concerns raised by President Peter Mutharika during the opening of the 52nd Session of Parliament.
“In the general debates, members highlighted issues affecting various constituencies, in line with the President’s address,” Chithyola Banda said.
He added that the House received important ministerial statements from the Ministers of Energy, Transport, and Local Government, reflecting the government’s proactive approach to addressing pressing national challenges.
Observers say the productive discussions during the week signal a willingness among parliamentary members to focus on substantive issues affecting Malawians, from critical infrastructure needs to social and economic development priorities.
Experts further note that regular updates from ministers provide transparency and accountability, ensuring that citizens are informed about the government’s interventions and plans to resolve national challenges.
The session also served as a platform to review the performance of ongoing programs, assess their impact, and strategize on measures that would accelerate national development while mitigating socioeconomic pressures.
Namalomba concluded by reiterating that government remains committed to building on past achievements and fostering an inclusive development agenda that benefits all Malawians.
