|
Norwegian Ambassador to Malawi Asbjorn Eidhammer says the new government that Malawians are expected to elect this Thursday will face enormous challenges in developing the country because “there is still too much waste of public resources”.
“There is still waste, too much of public funds are being expended at the centre, and there are glaring inequalities. I must admit I am intrigued at how even the highest level officer can use 1,250 litres of petrol a month.
“The new government will face enormous challenges. But I take comfort in the fact that all presidential candidates have vowed to slim government, move the presidency to Lilongwe and intensify the fight against corruption,” said Eidhammer.
He was speaking at his residence in Lilongwe during a reception organised to celebrate his country’s constitution day that falls on May 17. The function was spiced by several activities including a performance by Mzuzu-based Tikhu Vibrations Band.
Eidhammer said the country’s Millennium Development Goals cannot be achieved unless changes are made in government policies, in the manner donors work and in the nature of interaction between government and donors.
Minister responsible for HIV/Aids Mary Kaphwereza Banda admitted that the goals can only be achieved with increased development assistance and policy coherence and the need for sustainable system of good governance, which ensures transparency and accountability on the part of beneficiaries.
“This has to be done because we count on all our development partners who support us in our endeavours to attain the humble achievements.
“Malawi values greatly the honest sentiments and advice of the government of Norway in as far as our development cooperation is concerned. I can only say that appropriate reviews will be made and where possible adjustments put in place,” she said.
Eidhammer called on fellow donors to harmonise and reduce the burden of conditionalites on partner institutions. He said donors’ cooperation and dialogue with Malawi must be based on trust.
“We must stand by our partners when the going gets rough. There will always be things that we don’t like. There will be more irregularities, new cases of corruption and new delays,” he said.
Eidhammer said the “all or nothing” approach to development assistance cannot work in Malawi, and cannot provide a sound basis for combating poverty because public services are being seriously undermined by lack of resources.
He also called on Malawians to accept the results of Thursday’s general elections “provided the elections are declared by independent observers to express the will of the people”.
“Later this week some will find themselves as winners, but there are also bound to be losers. In fact there will be more losers than winners. I hope everybody will accept the outcome,” Eidhammer said.
The Norwegian ambassador also hopes that those who will emerge as winners in the polls and losers alike will work together over the next five years to make Malawi a better place for its people.
|
