George Chaponda Claims he is a ‘Bulldozer’

By: Lackson Kanyoza

Newly appointed Minister of Agriculture Dr. George Chaponda has defended himself from various critics towards his position saying he has always succeeded in any ministry describing himself as a bulldozer.

Chaponda who was Minister of foreign affairs has replaced Dr. Allan Chiyembekeza in the ministry of agriculture following the president Peter Mutharika cabinet reshuffle on Thursday.

Dr. Chaponda’s appointment has come at a time the country’s agricultural sector is facing enormous challenges – ranging from food insecurity to inefficiency in the farm input subsidy program.

However,  some social and political analyst have described Chapondas appointed as questionable and very interesting taking to account that he is law expert.

Political analyst Dr. Boniface Dulani said “Some of these appointments are very interesting. Before you choose a person to be a minister you first scrutinize their CVs.  Dr. Chiyembekeza was an expert in agriculture and suits the ministry.

“His firing is not surprising but i think he must resign himself after failing for the past two years. How can a law expert perform in agriculture? These changes are somehow questionable,” said Dulani.

But speaking on Saturday in Nchalo at a political rally, Chaponda assured president Peter Mutharika to revamp the agricultural sector.

“Let me assure Malawians that since I have taken this ministry things will change. People have been calling me a bulldozer just because each and every position I manage i deriver.

“We are going to adopt irrigation systems from China and make shire valley a bread basket. The government will make sure that we have enough maize and nobody dies of hunger,” said Chaponda.

In his remarks, president Peter Mutharika said he is aware that over 3 million people in the country are affected by hunger.