Mangochi: Members of Area Development Committees (ADCs) of Nkope and Malindi have updated Malawi Economic Justice Network (MEJN) on how development projects funded by the government are and can be accomplished in the fight against inequality. According to the members, a number of programs set by the government such as the school feeding program in the Education sector, social cash transfer, and different subsidy programs have been followed up to see if the fight against inequality is taken seriously in different constituencies.
Speaking during a follow-up meeting on 4th June 2021 on how the training by MEJN are helping the ADCs, Mkope ADC Chair, Eliza Msuko has pointed at communication between the councils and parliamentarians as the main issue affecting development in the areas.
“Things are not working as there is no coordination between us and the duty bearers. For starters, it is so hard for us to reach the MP as we have to use another person who is in direct communication with him.. Usually, we say our MP is inconsiderate but maybe it’s not his fault as we are not sure if the person delivers our message correctly. At this point, all I can say is things are not working accordingly in Mkope ADC, there is a division with the MP and we do not really know what kind of developments he asks for in parliament because he doesn’t even ask our opinions.”
Also present during the meeting was the chair for Malindi ADC, Rabson Sumani who has indicated that they managed to use some of the funds including the borehole fund to develop their areas. He said following the MEJN training they have managed to question other duty bearers at the council level to give them the funds for the water development.
“MEJN has enlightened us a lot. We have now realized that there are so many developmental activities we thought did not involve us as ADC’s but now we know that any development funded by the government does need our interference and involvement for them to go properly as we are the ones that know the problems faced in our areas,” He said.
In his remarks, Fredrick Makii of MEJN has asked the members of area development committees of Mkope and Malindi to always take a major part in all works and projects funded by the government as they are responsible for them seeing as they are the ones in need of such developments.
“After undergoing the training which we did today, the ADCs are expected to track funds such as CDF, DDF, and all the developmental financial assistance which may come and boost coordination between the ADC members and the duty bearers as they realize their position and duties.”
Some of the development projects funded by the government include school feeding programs and bursary in the education sector and social cash transfers and subsidy programs for social security.
Ending Inequality project is a project under the Malawi Economic Justice Network which is being funded by the NORAD/DANIDA through NCA-DCA Joint Country Program. The project which will run for five years till 2024 is being implemented in the districts of Mangochi and Monkey-Bay to help different constituencies attain all the government-funded developments.
By Jacqueline Saidi,
Luntha TV
