President Lazarus Chakwera has ordered the Ministry of Homeland Security and the security agents to relook into his transportation and ensure that motorists are not held for more than 15 minutes to pave way for the presidential motorcade.
Chakwera gave the directive during the official launch of a $60 million Sogecoa Golden Peacock Hotel in Blantyre on Friday.
The President said he is well aware that the security agents just follow the protocol to ensure his maximum security, however he has argued that the country is not at war hence there is no need for such tight measures.
Chakwera said: “Being the President does not mean the country has to be brought to a standstill. There has to be a better way of managing my transit across the country without disrupting the movements of Malawians and tourists.
“May I urge the honorable Minister of Homeland Security to address this abnormally with the Inspector General because Malawi is a friendly, peaceful and free country and we cannot be operating as if we are in a war zone.”
The Malawi leader further said he does not need too many senior government officials accompanying him to events saying it is a waste of resources.
“As far as I am concern, there are too many senior government officials at this function and the fact that they have come all over the country means the cost of this function alone is more than what anyone of us can justify,” said Chakwera.
He therefore asked the Secretary to the President and Cabinet to develop a protocol that make sence in determining a number of official to accompany the President to public functions.
Commenting on the opening of Sogecoa Golden Peacock Hotel, Chakwera said he is committed to promote tourism sector in the country with every available resource.
He pointed out that his administration realizes the potential of tourism sector hence the need to invest in it.
However he has urged owners of the newly inaugurated hotel to employ more Malawians as one way of assisting in the implementation of government’s mission of creating 1 million jobs.
The multi-purpose hotel has 162 rooms, a shopping mall and conference rooms among other facilities.
Chakwera was also accompanied by his vice, Dr. Saulos Chilima.
