Corrupt Mzuzu City Council Officials Thwart Labour Minister’s Efforts to Enforce Labour Laws

Mzuzu City: Malawi’s new Labour Minister, Vitumbiko Mumba, is facing strong resistance even from some corrupt public officers in his efforts to establish a law-abiding labour industry.

Our investigation has established that some corrupt Mzuzu City Council officials undermined Minister Mumba’s efforts to enforce labour laws aimed at ensuring safer and conducive working environments in some business premises.

The investigation found that when Minister Mumba attempted to inspect Suhana Continental Bakery, where workers allegedly face unhygienic and hostile conditions, corrupt Council officials tipped off the bakery owner.

Instead of joining the minister’s surprise visit, the officials alerted the owner, who quickly procured new equipment and cleaned the facilities.

A source within the bakery revealed that two Mzuzu City assembly officials visited the bakery premises on Tuesday morning to receive payment for their services, highlighting the deep-seated corruption within the council.

Furthermore, the bakery’s borehole is located just three meters away from a septic tank, violating city bylaws and posing serious health risks.

Efforts to seek an explanation on the allegations from Mzuzu City Council’s spokesperson, Macdonald Gondwe, were unsuccessful, as repeated calls to his phone couldn’t go through.

Mervin Nxumayo, chairperson of the Young Human Rights Defenders Network (YHRDN), condemned the corrupt officials, stating that they would conduct vigils at the Mzuzu City Council offices until the officials are held accountable.

“We fully support Hon. Mumba’s efforts to cleanse the labour industry,” said Nxumayo. “We are aware of the greedy and selfish Council officials who thought they could sneak out to alert the Bakery owner, who is at the centre of ill-treating workers, of the impending minister’s visit.”

The incident highlights the need for urgent reforms within the Council and labour industry in general to prevent corrupt officials from undermining efforts to establish a safe and law-abiding working environment.