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Govt dismisses PCL’s claims on Cape Maclear
By
Ephraim Munthali - 03-02-2003 |
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Tourism Minister Benard Chisale has described as not true claims by Press Corporation Limited (PCL) chief executive Matthews Chikaonda that he personally gave him the bid to develop Cape Maclear.
“Take it from me, I never received any bid from him [Chikaonda]. PCL never showed interest in Cape Maclear,” said Chisale in an interview.
Chikaonda said at a press conference in November last year that he had personally submitted PCL’s bid twice—first to former Tourism Minister Ken Lipenga and Chisale.
The Cape Maclear concession has since been granted to Malawi Development Corporation—a government investment arm—after two other bidders withdrew.
Blue Waters International and Siku Transport—who owns Sun ‘n’ Sand Holiday Resort in Mangochi—were the only MDC’s competitors.
Chikaonda also accused MDC of venturing into private sector interests, contrary to the parastatal’s Act and doubted MDC’s financial capacity to carry out the project.
But Chisale said it was wrong to assume that MDC had no money because, he said, the parastatal met the criteria which impressed the Government Contracting Unit (GCU).
He said government is now waiting for a development plan for the area from MDC before the project takes off the ground.
According to Chikaonda, PCL, listed on Malawi and London Stock Exchanges, planned to invest between US$70 million and US$90 million on the project, encompassing an international standard hotel, an 18-hole golf course and an airstrip.
Ministry spokesperson Patricia Liabuba insisted that PCL was not among the bidders.
Meanwhile, four more concessions have been granted to develop tourism amenities in four of the country’s tourist attraction areas.
Chisale said the Lilongwe Nature Sanctuary has gone to Lilongwe-based Lake Tour Operators while Tumbuka Lodge owners will develop Lengwe National Park.
South African-based Africa Parks and Science Company has been granted Majete Game Reserve while MDC will develop part of Liwonde National Park, according to Chisale.
All the deals were sealed last December.
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