Chiefs and communities in Dowa are planning demonstrations against MCP MP Richard Chimwendo Banda over alleged misappropriation of MK4 billion Community Constituency Development Fund. The controversy centers around the allocation of funds for a school project, with accusations of mismanagement and lack of transparency. The District Commissioner clarified that the funds were for petty cash expenses, while the Malawi Human Rights Resource Center, supported by Danish Church Aid, is working to empower citizens to hold officials accountable.

Senior Chief Msakambewa of Dowa, Malawi, has filed a lawsuit against members of the Ngoni-Jere clan who are seeking his removal on allegations of corruption and bad governance. The clan members protested at the Dowa District Council, disrupting government business, and refused to meet with Msakambewa when offered by District Commissioner Alex Mdooko. They instead delivered a petition to the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development. Msakambewa has been accused of selling clan gardens and demanding a share of government honorariums from his subjects.

Bedbugs are causing significant issues at Mponela Rural Hospital in Dowa district, with Councillor Jeremoth Jumbe highlighting the government's efforts to address the problem. The infestation is exacerbated by patients and guardians bringing bedbugs from their homes. Councillor Georgina Chunga emphasized the need for spiritual prayers in addition to chemical treatments, citing a peculiar incident at St. Peters private school. The issue also affects Mponela 2 primary school, disrupting teaching and learning.

Chiefs and communities in Dowa are planning demonstrations against MP Richard Chimwendo Banda over the mismanagement of the K4 billion Community Constituency Development Fund. Villagers claim that only K25,000 was allocated to a school project, far less than expected. The protests were delayed due to heavy rains. The MP denies knowledge of the K25,000 allocation and blames the council for project management. District Commissioner Alex Mdooko clarifies that the fund was approved by MPs and not the DC, and that the K25,000 was petty cash for project expenses. The Malawi Human Rights Resource Center and Danish Church Aid are supporting local governance projects to hold officials accountable.

The National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) is addressing concerns raised by the World Bank over the poor implementation of Public Works Programs (PWP) in Malawi, which led to the cessation of funding. The NLGFC has developed a new approach to pilot PWP in ten districts, aiming to improve asset quality and ownership. The new strategy includes three cycles per year, repeater targeting, and a focus on land resources and conservation projects. Local leaders are urged to mobilize communities to support the new approach. Dowa South East parliamentarian Harry Njoka Chipeni and Minister Jean Nachika Kaliliani have expressed their views on the proposal, highlighting the need for clear guidelines and budget transparency.

United Democratic Front (UDF) supporters in Dowa have urged their presidential candidate, Atupele Muluzi, to clarify the party's direction ahead of the 2019 tripartite elections. Muluzi dismissed rumors of being Peter Mutharika's running mate and assured supporters that UDF will contest alone. Jekete Hussein, the party's Dowa district organizing secretary for youths, emphasized the need for senior party officials to meet district committees for strategic discussions rather than relying on rallies. The article highlights internal party dynamics and the uncertainty among supporters regarding the UDF-DPP alliance.

Inkosi Mponela of Dowa has urged the government to construct a new district hospital, highlighting the need due to the growing population and inadequate current facilities. The call aligns with a previous promise made by the government in 2015. President Peter Mutharika reiterated his administration's commitment to developing both urban and rural areas, mentioning plans to transform Mponela into a Rural Growth Centre. The Friends of Dowa group insists the hospital should be built at the Malawi Red Cross site, where a foundation stone was laid in 1997 by former President Bakili Muluzi.