As the Government continues with its austerity measures, Ministry of Information, Tourism and Culture has disclosed President Professor Peter Mutharika’s plans to turn Zomba State House into a referral hospital.

According to Kondwani Nankhumwa, the move will be done to reduces the number of State houses and expenses.

“We are reviewing status of the houses. Do we need all these houses; Sanjika, Ntunthama, Chikoko Bay, Zomba, Kamuzu Palace, Mzuzu State houses? They cost a lot, especially in maintenance,” said Nankhumwa.

Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Development spokesperson Nations Msowoya in an interview said State Houses were in 2011/12 budget allocated MK 1 billion, MK1.1 billion in 2012/13 and MK 3.7 billion in 2013/14.

Civil Society Grand Coalition spokesperson Lucky Mbewe welcomed the review particularly at a time when donors have become unpredictable and the economy is in a mess.