Leader of opposition in Parliament Dr. George Chaponda who is also Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Vice President for the South has described the ongoing passport crisis in the country as man-made disaster.
Chaponda said this when commenting on the violence that erupted at the Immigration Department in the capital Lilongwe where passport seekers vandalized government property.
“The current passport crisis is a man-made disaster, caused by the incompetence and negligence of the current leadership. President Chakwera’s administration has failed to address this issue, despite numerous promises and assurances.
“I want to remind Malawians that I, as the Leader of the Opposition, have consistently raised these issues with the government, warning them of the consequences of their inaction. Unfortunately, my warnings have fallen on deaf ears, and the government has been blank on decision making,” said Chaponda.
Chaponda also accused Homeland Minister Ken Zikhale Ng’oma os sleeping on the duty.
“It is appalling that cabinet ministers are busy buying votes at their convention instead of working tirelessly to resolve this crisis. Their priorities are clear, and it’s not the welfare of Malawians.
“Furthermore, it’s shocking that no one has been held accountable at the Department of Immigration, despite clear testimony that the current situation demands decisive leadership. No one has been fired, no one has taken responsibility, and no concrete actions have been taken to rectify the situation,” he added.
Meanwhile, six people identified as Alinafe Nyalugwe, 36, Memory Howani, 24, Medson Mdala, 57, Abudu Lahimani, 38, Alick Petros Phiri, 40 and Rodgers Banda, 22 have been arrested in connection with yesterday’s fracas.