By Mac Brey 2014 has been a great year for the DPP family. - TopicsExpress

By Mac Brey 2014 has been a great year for the DPP family. May 30 according to the constitution of Malawi, vetted by due electoral process, the DPP was mandated once again by people to govern Malawi for a period of 5 years under the leadership of Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika and his vice, Saulos Chilima. A deserving party formed government. With a collective vision that is, to transform Malawi from being a predominantly importing and consuming country to a predominantly producing and exporting country; and a food self -sufficient country where hunger is eliminated, and our agricultural primary commodities, other raw materials and minerals transformed, in the process creating jobs and new wealthfor our people. When DPP took office it was common knowledge that the road would not be easy. Comrades and friends, we should always remember that the DPP government inherited huge domestic debt and enormous arrears owed to providers of goods and services to the government. High political aggrandizement, self-glorification, and massive corruption were characteristic of most of the period between mid-2012 and May 2014. Further, the pride and confidence of the Civil Service was fast waning off. We should also remember that we have those who would have loved to be where we are and will try all they can to discredit our abilities. Amidst all the challenges and opposing forces, the DPP govt. within its short stay, has managed to deliver on its promise (osati phokoso). My brothers and sisters comrades and friends, we should be proud of what DPP has achieved. (Ntchito za manja athu zitichitile umboni) The DPP promise to Malawi. During the campaign period leading to the May 2014 elections, the DPP was guided by its election manifesto, entitled “Towards a People-Centered Development.” Through this manifesto, the DPP promised, among others things, to fight underdevelopment, economic and social injustice, inequality, corruption, and theft of public funds and abuse of power. DPP promised to keep Malawi on a sustained path to development, and not to stop, merely for political reasons, whatever constituted the good work of previous governments. The DPP government have since assessed the policies and practices of the previous Governments, and resolved to retain the Automatic Fuel Pricing mechanism, the flexible exchange rate regime, the return of foreign exchange bureaus, and other monetary policy measures meant to entrench the role of markets in achieving sustainable economic growth. The DPP govt. went further, however, by adopting fiscal reforms that would support and deepen the previous reforms. It has instituted reforms aimed at running the government most effectively and efficiently, as follows: 1) appointed a cabinet of 20, including deputies, the Vice President and the President. 2) restructured the Office of the President and Cabinet, by moving the Department of HIV/AIDS and Nutrition and the Safe Motherhood Initiative to the Ministry of Health; The Presidential Initiative on Poverty and Hunger Reduction to the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development; The National Registration Bureau to the Ministry of Home Affairs, and The Government Contracting Unit to the Office of the Director of Public Procurement. We also combined the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development into one to facilitate coordination of the economic management function. 3) The President, further directed that chief executive officers of public institutions, principal secretaries and other senior public officers would not be attending public functions except where the functions or events pertain to their organizations. These reforms alone will save over K70 billion per annum. Further, my government established the Civil Service Reform Commission, under the leadership of the Vice President. 4) After losing close to a quarter of its value in relation to the US dollar, the Kwacha has since stabilized. And we are certain that the domestic currency may even appreciate soon, because we are doing everything possible to get the economy on the right track. The DPP govt. has also put in place policies that will translate into increased exports in order to increase foreign exchange earnings which are needed to defend the domestic currency. 5) despite a myriad challenges facing our economy, the financial system has stabilized and developments are visible in the financial institutions and the capital markets, as follows: a) The payments system remains stable, and no major system disruptions have been experienced during the past months. Payments, clearing and settlement of transaction, therefore, are proceeding smoothly. b) The banking sector remains sound on account of a favourable macroeconomic environment and improved banking practices. Despite the average Return on Equity (ROE) declining to 31% from 38.7%, the banking sector remains profitable. Other notable deliverables just to mention a few include: a) Strengthened controls in IFMIS to avoid Cashgate. b) Completed major works on the Blantyre-Zomba, Lilongwe Western By-pass and Ngabu-Bangula roads. c) Commenced feasibility and detailed engineering design study on the rehabilitation of the Sena Line, and completed the rehabilitation of the Nkaya-Nayuchi line. d) Produced the final Cashgate forensic report from which 53 case files were made and submitted to law enforcement agencies. e) Produced final forensic audit report for the Malawi Police 2010 K400 million fraud with 7 case files submitted directly to Law Enforcement Agencies. f) Championed and commenced implementation of the Decent and Affordable (Cement and Malata) Housing Subsidy Programme. g) Developed a compendium of bankable projects that was launched provides hope for Malawi’s future. I believe moving into the year 2015, the DPP govt. has laid a solid foundation that will see Malawi realizing its potential. We are the mighty DPP and we remain focused in doing what we are supposed to do, that is transform and develop Malawi. I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Your truly Mac Brey Wishing you a blessed 2015