The United Nations (UN) in Malawi has summoned civil society organisations (CSOs) under the National Advocacy Platform (Nap) to a meeting tomorrow over the CSOs’ complaint regarding the downward revision of Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) by the UN.
Nap Chairperson Benedicto Kondowe confirmed the development Monday.
“I confirm the [existence of the] letter and [that there is a] meeting on February 5 on the issue,” Kondowe said.
On January 13, Nap wrote UN Resident Coordinator Rebecca Addah-Donto to raise concern over the recent revision of harmonised DSA rates, effective December 2024, as communicated by development partners (DPs).
According to Nap, the decision to reduce DSA from K90,000 to K60,000 and meal allowances to K8,000 for lunch and K9,500 for dinner contradicts the prevailing economic realities and undermines the operational effectiveness of stakeholders, including CSOs.
“This reduction comes at a time when Malawi faces significant economic challenges, including a high inflation rate currently at 32.5 percent, according to the National Statistical Office (NSO). This inflation has severely eroded the purchasing power of the Malawi Kwacha, significantly increasing the costs of accommodation, transport and meals.
“The revised rates are not only impractical but also signal inequitable treatment that could impact the dignity and rights of Malawian participants, especially when juxtaposed with what the development partner officers receive for similar engagements.
“Furthermore, the decision to reduce these rates is not only perplexing but also appears detached from the economic realities on the ground,” Nap said in a letter signed by Kondowe.
According to Kondowe, on June 27 2024, the Government of Malawi demonstrated a clear acknowledgment of these economic pressures by revising its DSA rates upwards to ranges between K60,000 and K120,000, with meal allowances pegged at between K30,000 and K50,000.
He said the adjustment reflected a pragmatic response to the escalating cost of living, aimed at safeguarding the operational efficiency of public servants and stakeholders.
“Our spontaneous survey of selected venues in Malawi’s major cities, excluding hotels, underscores the inadequacy of the revised Development Partners’ rates. The findings reveal that standard accommodation costs a minimum of K80,000 per night in urban areas and K60,000 per night in districts.
“Similarly, the cost of a standard meal, inclusive of a drink, ranges from K25,000 to K40,000 in cities and K15,000 to K25,000 in districts. These figures demonstrate that the revised rates are woefully insufficient to cover actual expenses. Such a shortfall not only hampers stakeholders’ operational efficiency but also undermines their dignity and limits meaningful participation in development efforts,” Kondowe said.
In response to the Nap letter, Addah-Donto has summoned the CSOs to a meeting on the matter.
“I would like to invite you to a meeting to discuss the concerns that you have highlighted. I propose scheduling this meeting for 5 February 2025 at 9:00am at the UN Resident Coordinator’s Offices, Area 10, Plot 441. You may invite other CSO leaders who may be interested to join the meeting,” Addah- Donto said.
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