As controversy continues locking the implementation of the proposed subsidy of iron sheets and cement by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) regime in its manifesto, Minister of Land, Housing and Urban Development, Bright Msaka has disclosed that the government has already acquired funds for the initiative.

Msaka revealed this in Lilongwe.

“I can confirm that we have secured some funds for the initiative,” Msaka said while keeping to himself the source of the funding and whether there have been conditions attached to its accessing the money.

The programme has received strong criticism from various stakeholders as most of them questioned the criteria to be used in identifying beneficiaries.

Some have equated the programme to Mudzi Transformation Trust, a low-cost housing scheme initiated by immediate past president Joyce Banda which was also trashed as extravagance.

However, the DPP hopes the subsidy will enable many underprivileged Malawians independently construct quality low-cost houses.