President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has faulted Leader of Opposition Kondwani Nankhumwa for chiding his government over demands by teachers for Covid-19 risk allowances.

Responding to Chakwera’s state of the Nation Address, Nankhumwa faulted Chakwera for not addressing risk allowances for teachers in the SONA.

“I wish to stand with all teachers in Malawi in regard to the issue of risk allowances as schools open today amid the COVID-19 crisis.

“Prison warders and health personnel who are at risk of contracting Coronavirus are being given COVID-19 risk allowances,” said Nankhumwa.

He added: “Why our teachers should be denied the same? I had expected the President to adequately address this matter in his SONA but he deliberately chose not to address the plight of teachers, which is extremely unfortunate.”

But reacting to Nankhumwa’s claims, Chakwera accused Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administrations of failing its duties on the matter.

Chakwera said Nankhumwa should have done the same three months ago when the then DPP led administration presented a budget that did not have a component to cater for the teachers’ demands.

Meanwhile Chakwera has assured Malawians that all teachers’ challenges will be addressed.