Mangochi: The Malawi Economic Justice Network (MEJN) has urged members of Koche Area Development Committee (ADC) to fight hard to know exactly what their rights are in community development funding so as to know and improve their livelihoods and end inequality.
Speaking during training on the project MEJN district Director of Programs for MEJN, Richard Chiputula has said corruption can only be eradicated if fights against inequality are achieved in the country.
“What we are trying to do is train the citizens for them to be able to hold the duty bearers accountable when it comes to implementation of social protection programs. We believe that if we strengthen implementation of existing social protection programs there can be reduced gap between the rich and the poor”, he said.
On his part, Natuli ADC member who is also the representative of the Muslim society, Sheihk Sanudia has appreciated MEJN for taking time to elaborate on the different responsibilities that the ADC members have in making sure that development activities are done appropriately.
“This meeting is going to help us a lot as ADC members. MEJN has elaborated on our roles and the direction we should take emphasizing where we should direct our grievances in terms of development. They have advised us to be in communication and connection with our partners in development such as chiefs and faith leaders for them to also take part in these development agendas,” he assured.
MEJN works towards bringing justice, transparency, and accountability in development activities by government and other stakeholders in different areas by civic educating ADCs on their duties and responsibilities that are key in ending corruption.
MEJN is running a 5 –year project funded by NORAD/DANIDA through NCA-DCA Joint Country Program. It is implementing the project in Mangochi in 6 ADCs namely; Litufu, Namavi, Malindi, Koche, Nkhope and Kumpita engaging members of ADCs to know their duties and responsibilities as development committees and hold duty bearers accountable.
By Jacqueline Saidi,
Luntha TV