Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Councillor for Blantyre City Soche East Ward Leonard Chimbanga has wished well Mary Chilima, a spouse to the country’s Vice President Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima.

Chimbanga’s goodwill message follows report that Mary Chilima will leave the country for South Africa to seek medical treatment.

According to a MEMO seen by this publication, the trip will cost government money amount to MK312 million.

The budget for the trip comprises accommodation, air travel fares, external travel allowances, vehicle hiring expenses, local security costs and food rations for Mary Chilima and four support staff.

“Firstly I wish madam Mary Chilima a speedy recovery. I will not seek political capital after someone’s health humanity and my beliefs won’t allow me. The gravity of her illness is not known even the treatment and hospital. If it is Garden City, you pay a leg and an arm.

“Sadly the arrangements are beyond my knowledge. Chaona mzako Chapita mawa chilikwaiwe,” wrote Chimbanga.

He added: “To those people who leaked the memo tell Chakwera to fix our hospitals so that these people can be attended to here at home.

“Next time leak the list of names of those who ate the 6.9 billion or how Nankhumwa and Botomani used the covid-19 funds. Why are we never upset about the thievery in government but so concerned about someone else health?”

Meanwhile, Chilima’s office has confirmed of the trip.