The Natural Resources and Climate Change Committee of Parliament has asked government to explain to Malawians how remittances from carbon tax from motorists are being used. 

According to the Committee`s chairperson Welani Chilenga, ever since introduction of the levy, Treasury has never released the funds into the coffers of the Ministry of Forestry and Natural Resources.

“As you are aware Malawians are paying through filling station money that is meant for Carbon Tax, in the 2020/2021 financial year government has collected.

“This money is meant to be given the Ministry of Forestry and Natural Resources to manage our resources in terms of reforestation and other duties at the Ministry,” said Chilenga.

He added that there are fears that Malawians may have been robbed K3.5 billion that was collected in the 2020/2021 financial year as carbon tax.

“To our surprise, this money has not been remitted to the Ministry of Forestry and Natural Resources, not even a single coin has gone there.

“So, I was requesting the Minister to at least honour his pledge and make sure that this money is remitted back to the Ministry of Forestry and Natural Resources, otherwise as Malawians we have been robbed,” said Chilenga.

Reports indicate that the Ministry of Finance earlier requested the Ministry of Forestry and Natural Resources to come up with an account and a budget which they did but up to now that money has not been submitted.