VONB urges leaders to combat corruption
VONB urges community leaders to lead fight against corruption in Nkhata Bay
NKHATA BAY, Malawi-The Voice of Nkhatabians (VONB), a community-based organisation in Nkhata Bay district, Malawi, is urging community leaders to take a leading role in the fight against corruption in development projects, writes Rebecca Kaunda.
VONB, also known as "Mlomu wa weni Nkhata," was established in 2020 with the objective of empowering communities to demand transparency, accountability, and active involvement in local projects.
In an effort to combat corruption and promote accountability, VONB has taken proactive steps, including:
Visiting various project sites to assess progress and conduct budget tracking to compare allocated funds with actual work on the ground.
Conducting sensitization meetings with chiefs and Area Development Committees (ADCs) to raise awareness about corruption issues.
Goodwin Njikhu, Secretary for VONB, said the organisation is committed to intensifying sensitization efforts and empowering community leaders to actively participate in the development initiatives taking place in their areas.
"We believe that chiefs and other community leaders have a crucial role to play in providing checks and balances during project implementation," Njikhu said. "Many are unaware of this responsibility, and we want to make sure they have the knowledge and tools they need to fight corruption."
Traditional Authority Mkumbira, who has jurisdiction over one of the areas where VONB has been active, expressed gratitude for the organization's efforts.
He said that people are now more vigilant about monitoring development projects and comparing budgets with actual progress.
"This increased vigilance has been instrumental in ensuring accountability," Mkumbira said.
Fanny Mphande, ADC chair for Traditional Authority Kabunduli, stressed the importance of remaining vigilant against malpractice, as it hinders meaningful community development.
She said that corruption often leads to project delays and mismanagement of resources, depriving communities of the progress they deserve.
"Change should start with us as leaders," Mphande said. "We must say no to corruption for the sake of our children and our communities."
So far, VONB has reached out to four Traditional Authorities out of the 18 in the district.
Their efforts to promote transparency and combat corruption are crucial steps towards fostering sustainable and accountable development in Nkhata Bay.