Hellen Chabunya, the UTM vice president for the Central Region, has responded after her name was mentioned in Parliament in connection with a loan obtained under the Mega Farms Programme, saying the facility was legitimate and subject to reconciliation.
“I am aware of social media discussions following the mention of my name in Parliament in relation to a loan facility obtained from MAIIC (Malawi Agricultural Industrial Investment Corporation) under MEGA Farms for agricultural operations,” Chabunya said.
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She clarified that the facility was not obtained under the National Economic Empowerment Fund.
“For clarity, this was not a NEEF loan. It was a commercial agricultural facility secured to support legitimate farm production. Maize was delivered under the agreed arrangements to service the loan,” she said.
Chabunya said the figures cited publicly regarding the outstanding balance require verification and reconciliation with the institution concerned.
“The outstanding balance and figures referenced publicly require reconciliation and this process is currently underway with the institution concerned,” she said.
She added that she remains committed to fulfilling her obligations.
“I remain fully committed to honouring all lawful obligations and conducting my affairs with integrity and transparency,” Chabunya said.
Her response comes after Mbilizi told Parliament that the Mega Farms Programme had accumulated K55.5 billion in total exposure over two growing seasons, with a significant number of beneficiaries failing to repay loans due by Dec. 31, 2024.
Government has since initiated enforcement measures through the Malawi Agricultural Industrial Investment Corporation, including issuing demand letters, reporting defaulters to the Credit Reference Bureau and submitting cases to the Attorney General for legal action.