Ben Botolo, the chief executive officer of Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (Admarc) Limited, has spent approximately 10 months living in lodges at the corporation's expense. He was appointed in December last year and was expected to move into the institutional house at Mudi residential estate in Blantyre. However, Botolo claims the house is not habitable and is undergoing renovations.
A senior official in the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) has expressed concerns about Botolo's accommodation arrangement, stating that it would have been prudent for him to use the house while the renovations are being carried out. The official, who wished to remain anonymous, questioned the timing of Botolo's demands, citing the current state of the economy and the need for austerity measures.
Botolo shared videos of the property, showing an old, unpainted house that appears to be undergoing renovations. He attributed the state of the house to his predecessor, Daniel Makata, who he claimed left it in "tatters" in June this year. However, Makata disputed this accusation, stating that he vacated the property in February this year, despite his contract running until June.
Makata also denied Botolo's claims, stating that he would not have lived in the house if it was in such a poor state. Botolo, on the other hand, maintains that Admarc has not had the financial capacity to complete the renovations, but expects the work to be finished this month. The prolonged accommodation arrangement has incurred significant costs for the financially struggling grain marketing parastatal.
Botolo has deliberately avoided hotels and opted for cheaper lodges, which cost approximately K135,000 per day. He has been moving between Lilongwe and Blantyre for work, including finalizing salary payments and other Admarc business. The CEO stated that he has been prioritizing his work and has been conscious that his accommodation arrangement could attract criticism.
The accommodation issue arises as Admarc faces significant financial pressure and requires substantial public financing to operate. In March this year, Admarc stated that it requires K144 billion to operate efficiently and restore the institution during the 2026/27 financial year. The Nation's questionnaires to Admarc board chairperson Grey Nyandule Phiri and Comptroller for Statutory Corporations Stuart Ligomeka seeking their comment are yet to be responded to.
The prolonged stay in lodges has raised concerns about the corporation's financial management and Botolo's leadership. As the CEO continues to work on reviving Admarc, his accommodation arrangement remains a subject of debate. With the renovations expected to be completed this month, Botolo will likely face scrutiny over his decision-making and the corporation's financial priorities.
Key points
- Admarc CEO Ben Botolo has spent 10 months living in lodges at the corporation's expense due to the uninhabitable state of the institutional house.
- The accommodation arrangement has incurred significant costs for the financially struggling grain marketing parastatal.
- Admarc requires substantial public financing to operate, with K144 billion needed to restore the institution during the 2026/27 financial year.
