According to a letter sent to the principal secretary in the ministry of health, the community is accusing the Director of Health and social services in the district of absconding from work since April 2020 and failing to account for Covid 19 funds.

In view of the development, the community has also requested that Weston Nyirenda (DHSS),Vincent Holowanya (District water officer),Kumbukani Sakala (District Nursing Officer), Stephano Kaunda, Laurent Gondwe (accountant)and Owner Nguluwe should be leave office by 31st August 2020.

Following a national audit reports released in 2019, which indicated that over MK 3 Million is unaccounted for, the community has also demanded that all officers involved in audit queries must be suspended, investigated, and if found guilty, must be prosecuted and jailed.

In an interview, area development committee chairperson for Likoma Martin Mnkhwamba said if government does not address the challenges, the community will return on the streets to demonstrate.

Efforts to speak to Weston Nyirenda who is the district health and social service officer proved futile as his phone went unanswered after several attempts.

(MIJ Online)