The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has given Secretary to the Office of President and Cabinet (SPC) Zanga-Zanga Chikhosi a 7-day ultimatum to provide a detailed expenditure report to Malawians on how K238 million funds meant for July 6 independence celebrations were used.

In a letter addressed to Chikhosi, CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa alleges that the said funds were deposited into the Secretary’s bank account despite chairperson for the celebrations Richard Chimwemwe Banda reported that the budget had been trimmed from the initial K240 million to around K46 million.

“CDEDI is challenging you sir, to explain to the nation, how the Chief Secretary to Government bank account receipted the whole amount for the Independence Day Celebrations.

“And not just the K46 million as earlier indicated by the chairperson for the celebration. This is theft of public funds, and deceit of the highest order by government,” reads part of the letter dated July 16, 2021.

Namiwa has since threatened that CDEDI will invoke the Access to Information Act upon the elapse of the 7-day ultimatum when no explanation is made about the expenditure.

“CDEDI is, therefore, giving you sir, seven days to make public a detailed statement on how the above stated funds were used.

“Failure to so within the seven days, will leave us no choice, but to invoke the Access to Information Act, to ensure that the citizens, who double as taxpayers have the right to access this public information, without undue hindrance,” reads the letter.

Government is yet to comment on the request.