A letter in Zodiak possession dated 6 September 2021 signed by Principal Secretary for Gender, Community Development, and Social Welfare, Responsible for Administration, Isaac Katopola says the money was allowances expenditure not supported by signed allowance sheets for cheque number 000342.

While acknowledging the authenticity of the letter, the Ministry's Chief Social Welfare Officer under Social Cash Transfer Programme, Chifundo Nanchukwa told us district councils are supposed to be accountable for all expenditures hence asking the council to pay back the money.

"The Ministry encourages accountability in all expenditures among district councils. Therefore, the Ministry's request to Ntcheu District Council to refund Irish Aid four thousand Kwacha an amount which was declared ineligible in an audit report for the year ending 30 June 2019 is a norm," she said.

When contacted, Ntcheu District Council Spokesperson, Maston Kaiya asked for more time before commenting on the matter.

According to the Ministry of Gender, the money which Ntcheu District Council is to refund was an allowance which its payment did not follow proper procedures.