By: Burnett Munthali
The Minister of Finance, Joseph Mwanamvekha, has revealed that the K67 billion budget allocation for the State House was exhausted within a period of just six months.
He stated that the spending pattern demonstrated clear misuse of public funds by the previous administration.
Mwanamvekha further disclosed that the government was compelled to undertake additional borrowing to sustain the allocation after the funds were depleted prematurely.
He noted that this borrowing placed unnecessary pressure on the national budget and contributed to fiscal instability.
The Minister also reported that the Office of the President and Cabinet had already utilised 100 percent of its 2025–2026 budget allocation.
He indicated that this complete expenditure so early in the financial year was highly irregular and deeply concerning.
According to Mwanamvekha, such financial conduct illustrated a lack of accountability and poor stewardship of government resources.
He argued that the findings underscored the need for stricter oversight and stronger public finance management systems.
The Minister said the government would review expenditure controls to prevent similar misuse in future fiscal periods.
He added that transparency would be strengthened to rebuild public confidence in how State institutions manage taxpayer funds.
Parliament is expected to debate the matter further as part of efforts to ensure greater discipline in the utilisation of national resources.
