Chiefs, Councilors Laud Rights Group's Governance Training
The trainings equipped chiefs and councilors with knowledge and skills to hold duty bearers accountable and safeguard public resources for development projects in their respective areas
DOWA, Malawi - Chiefs and ward councilors from several districts in Malawi have commended the Malawi Human Rights Resource Center (MHRRC) for organizing training sessions aimed at clarifying their roles and fostering accountability in the implementation of development projects, writes Martha Nakhate.
The trainings, supported by the Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) and Dan Church Aid (DCA), came amid longstanding disputes and misunderstandings over the responsibilities of councilors, traditional leaders, and members of parliament in constituencies regarding development initiatives.
"The exercise has come at the right time, as most chiefs have a better position when it comes to village development," said Senior Chief Mulolo from Nsanje district.
"We have a responsibility to know how funds have been handled."
Mulolo highlighted the importance of the training, as many chiefs are selected based on their birth into the monarchy rather than formal education.
Mayamiko Kambewa, chairperson for Dowa district councilors, expressed joy at the inclusion of Nsanje district in the exercise, joining Dowa and Ntchisi.
"The aim of the meeting is to teach one another in making sure the development happening is really reflecting what a local person is looking for," he said, praising the progress made in Dowa and Ntchisi.
However, Kambewa wished members of parliament (MPs) had also been part of the training, as they play a crucial role in releasing funds for constituency development.
Responding to the concern, MHRRC Executive Director Emma Kaliya explained that their funders, NCA and DCA, assigned engaging MPs to other organizations to avoid overstepping boundaries.
However, she assured that the MHRRC still engages with MPs at the constituency level.
Kaliya criticized some MPs for employing personal assistants to handle public funds meant for development instead of working with village development committees. She urged other districts to emulate the unity and progress achieved in Dowa.
The trainings equipped chiefs and councilors with knowledge and skills to hold duty bearers accountable and safeguard public resources for development projects in their respective areas.
Participants were assigned to work as watchdogs for each other, monitoring the implementation of projects and proper utilization of funds to curb misappropriation.