General News

Malawi releases plane crash report in English amidst calls for local language translations

Date: Dec 26, 2024

The Government of Malawi has released the English version of the commission of inquiry's report on the tragic plane crash that claimed the life of former Vice-President Saulos Chilima.

However, the release has sparked concerns as the report has yet to be made available in local languages, despite a directive by President Lazarus Chakwera that it should be accessible in all languages spoken across the country.

Authorities have indicated that translating the report into multiple local languages, including Chichewa, Tumbuka, Sena, and Yao, will require significant resources and additional time. Malawi's linguistic diversity and financial constraints have been cited as major challenges in fulfilling the directive.

According to officials, the translation process will demand a revised budget of approximately $20 million, a substantial cost given the country's current economic struggles. Malawi is grappling with acute foreign exchange shortages, widespread food insecurity, and nearly 5.6 million citizens in urgent need of food assistance.

Some commentators have questioned the government's priorities, arguing that the funds allocated for translation efforts could be redirected to address pressing issues such as food distribution. They contend that while ensuring accessibility to the report is important, providing for basic needs like food security should take precedence.

The delay in releasing translated versions of the report has fueled debate about balancing transparency and inclusivity with immediate socio-economic challenges. Meanwhile, the government maintains that it is working on ensuring that all Malawians can access the report in their native languages to foster greater understanding and clarity about the findings of the inquiry.

As of now, no specific timeline has been provided for the release of translations.

--ChannelAfrica--

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