Political crises or not, the greatest need for Malawi at the moment is more economic growth

BY The Daily Times
Malawi has probably never been at the crossroads
as it is at the moment, when politically there are several developments
that have a bearing on the country’s very survival.



Much as multiparty democracy signaled a beginning of a new era in 1994
as Malawians waited patiently for a turn around of their lives, the
story on the ground has tellingly been different. Over forty years of
independence, it is pathetic that Malawians should be striving to get
the basics of life-food, water, electricity etc.



Over 14 years after we attained multiparty democracy, most Malawians
are a disillusioned lot as they haven’t yielded the most out of the
numerous democratic freedoms that came with the switch from one party
to multiparty democracy.



The challenge, therefore, lies on the incumbent government to continue
with the path of economic recovery that it took in 2004 when it took
over the reins of power.



Political crises or not, the greatest need at the moment is more economic growth.



Our beloved country requires a sustained economic growth to bail itself
out of poverty. There is need for improved road infrastructure and
other transport infrastructure. This country requires good health, good
quality education and improved sanitation both in rural and urban
areas. In short, the country’s citizen requires just an average of most
of the basic wants of life.



It is, therefore, reassuring for the government to restate its resolve
to continue with the path towards realizing economic growth for the
country.



It is pleasing that this government has achieved some feat towards achieving economic recovery.



Inflation still hovers at single digit of 8.1 percent and interest rates have been reduced.



Besides, the achievement of debt relief under Highly Indebted Poor
Countries (HIPC), resumption of programmes under International Monetary
Fund, economic growth of 7.9 per cent in 2007/08 fiscal year and
qualification for the compact programme of the Millenium Challenge
Account (MCA) of the United States, all give us hope that the country
is on course to achieve more economic growth.



However, this country could probably have achieved more were it not for
the ‘hostile environment’ that was alluded to at the opening of
Parliament’s budget sitting Monday.



Therefore, the burden is on the government’s shoulders to ensure that
all impediments to achieving the hoped for economic turn around are
removed.



Our economy can only flourish when our aspirations are being shared by
many of us. Certainly, as a nation, we need to ensure that that there
is a peaceful and conducive environment for the economy to flourish.