By Robert Kumwenda

A concerned citizen by the name of Good news Mphande has accused Blantyre City Council for failing to come out clearly to explain on how they spend their annual budget.

Mphande who is a resident of Limbe Central Ward made these remarks during the council annual budget meeting with different stakeholders in Blantyre.

“We are not told how much money was spent last year from the previous budget and what is remaining. Authorities from the City Council are also not coming out clearly to tell us how much the budget is for this year and how they will use the money for the budget.

But Costly Chanza, Director of Planning and Estates Services for the council dismissed Mphande claims saying there is money amounting to K1.9 billion which has been allocated to development projects.

He said it is difficult for the council to come out clearly on the figure because there are other projects that are funded by development partners not the council.

“There is a project amounting to 11 billion which is being funded by Motor Engil at Chichri Round about and another one at Chileka roundabout to a tune of 13.3 billion,” he said.

Chanza said there are many projects in the areas of health and other social services and various projects that are being funded by the private sector and other sources hence the reason for not coming out clearly with a specific figure for the budget.

He further said that there are other road projects that being funded by other sources like Prime Construction to a tune of 5.5 billion.

Speaking on the same meeting, Mayor for the City of Blantyre councilor Wild Ndipo commended the council for coming up with a good budget saying that it tackles  the challenges the council is facing like roads , bridge and street lights construction to make the city look good.

He said it is their tradition to invite people to give their input adding that he is convinced with the budget.