Funding woes disturb operations of ombudsman

Operations of the office of the Ombudsman risk to be disrupted as it has been faced with lack of funds, MIJ Online has learnt.

Reports indicate that the offices has been receiving lesser than the required MK 23 million a month.

Chizuma says the situation is worsening.

The worst case scenario has however been recorded in the month of March when the institution received MK6 million.

In the wake of the underfunding, water at the headquarters in Lilongwe was disconnected with outstanding bills on the receipts.

In an interview with MIJ Online, Ombudsman Martha Chizuma described the situation as worrisome and highly distorting operations of officers at the institution.

“This is shocking. We have meagre funds at our disposal. They do not even meet the demand that we have. We feel this is a drawback to functions that we have to carry, ’’said Chizuma.

Meanwhile, Chizuma has confirmed that her office has written the Ministry of Finance over the matter.

Malawi politicsMartha ChizumaOmbudsman