The action comes on the heels of Lilongwe's decision in March to borrow 104 billion kwacha (US$60 million) on behalf of Khato Civils owned by Simbi Phiri a friend of President Chakwera and a significant donor to the ruling Malawi Congress Party for the controversial Lake Malawi Water Supply Project (AC Vol 64 No 12 Mutharika manoeuvres for a comeback)...
Activists block water contract loan President Lazarus Chakwera is facing reputational trouble over the attempt to give state backing to a 105 billion kwacha loan (US$103 million) to Khato Civils whose owner Simbi Phiri is a friend and financier of the head of state...
Nor has he endeared himself to the public after being captured on video at a New Year's Eve birthday party for the wife of controversial businessman Simbi Phiri not wearing a mask and leading revellers in singing Happy Birthday after compelling Malawians to wear masks in public...
The Tonse Alliance has attracted some controversy because the former national budget director Paul Mphwiyo whose shooting sparked the Cashgate scandal in 2013 attended their presentation of candidates along with construction magnate Simbi Phiri...