By George Mponda

Karonga, April 28, Mana: A scheduled Karonga District Full Council meeting ended abruptly on Monday after Ward Councillors demanded explanation on stalled development projects and the sale of an ambulance which they felt had not been adequately addressed.

The Council meeting, scheduled to discuss key sector presentations, was cut short after just 30 minutes when councillor for Rukuru Ward, Gift Mwakiyelu, raised a point of order, disrupting the agenda.

Mwakiyelu said; "We have just received the reports to be presented today, with no time to review them. We need explanation on several issues, including stalled projects, the K119 million police officers' house construction at Wiliro, and the sale of an ambulance."

Senior Chief Mwakaboko supported Councillor Mwakiyelu's concerns, saying he had not received the reports in time hence the need to reschedule the meeting.

Council Chairperson, Bellium Msukwa adjourned the meeting, setting a new date for two weeks to allow councillors and chiefs sufficient time to review the reports.

District Commissioner (DC) for Karonga, Frank Mkandawire, expressed disappointment over the abrupt end of the Full Council meeting saying they only have two months left to plan for project completion, particularly under the Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD).

"Two weeks ago, the councilors were conducting service committee meetings where these issues should have been raised because we are running out of time to meet the June deadline for the completion of GESD projects, these delays will affect us," said Mkandawire.

The DC has since advised the councilors to bring forth substantial agenda items and engage the council secretariat in order to ensure the people of Karonga receive the quality service they deserve.