PAC raises questions over Blantyre Water Board funding for Zambia maize procurement

A parliamentary watchdog has questioned the government's decision to divert nearly US$13.9 million from Blantyre Water Board towards the purchase of maize from Zambia, arguing the money could have been used to tackle the city's persistent water shortages instead.

The concerns were raised by Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairperson Steve Malondera after the committee met the National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC), which helped finance the government's US$45 million maize import deal.

Malondera said it was difficult to justify using funds from a struggling water utility to finance grain imports when thousands of residents in Blantyre continue to face unreliable water supplies.

He argued that investing the money in water infrastructure would have delivered lasting benefits, improving access to clean and safe water for households and businesses across the city.

While acknowledging the importance of addressing food shortages, Malondera said the maize purchase offered only a short-term solution, whereas strengthening water services would have delivered long-term economic and social gains.

The PAC chairperson also questioned why Malawi was spending scarce foreign currency on imported maize when institutions such as the Greenbelt Authority could be supporting irrigation farming to boost domestic production and reduce reliance on imports.

He urged authorities to ensure public resources are directed towards priority sectors and used in ways that deliver the greatest value to taxpayers.

Meanwhile, NLGFC Executive Director Kondwani Santhe said the committee had completed its role in facilitating the maize procurement arrangement from Zambia, despite concerns being raised over how some of the funds were sourced.

The debate comes amid growing scrutiny of government spending decisions as Malawi grapples with both food security challenges and pressure on essential public services.