Mutharika Limits Ministers’ Local Travel to One Trip Per Month

President Peter Mutharika has directed all Cabinet Ministers and their Deputies to limit their local travel to one trip per month, amid concerns over a recent increase in travel expenses.

In a statement, Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Justin Saidi, said any Minister or Deputy Minister who needs to undertake an additional essential trip outside the approved monthly travel must first seek clearance from the President.

“I wish to remind Honourable Ministers and Deputy Ministers that Government is currently implementing an austerity budget due to the limited resources available,” the statement reads.

“However, the increase in local travel is consuming significant resources in allowances and fuel, thereby defeating the purpose of the austerity measures.”