By Chisomo Sezi
M'mbelwa Council has highlighted key importance of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the district, saying they are pivotal towards providing oversight role to ensure transparency and accountability in Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) projects.
Involve stakeholders for effective monitoring of council projects PIC Chisomo Sezi
This was said on the sidelines of an interface meeting with the districts’ CSOs to discuss the council's capital budget and the 2023 Local Authority Performance Assessment (LAPA) on Friday.
Among others, the meeting highlighted the critical role of CSOs in the Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) project within the district.
M'mbelwa District Council Economist John Mwambughi emphasized the importance of LAPA in determining the council's funding under the GESD project.
He stressed that the ongoing oversight role by CSOs is essential to ensure the council remains transparent, accountable and performs effectively.
“To stay on track, we need CSOs to continuously monitor our performance and ensure that our plans are executed properly,” said Mwambughi.
Mwambughi also highlighted the necessity of involving stakeholders to provide checks and balances, enhance transparency, and improve accountability in community development projects.
Addressing delays in project implementation, Mwambughi urged stakeholders to collaborate closely to overcome these challenges and improve future performance.
“Many of the indicated projects are not functioning due to a lack of basic amenities and infrastructure. Some projects lack staff housing, while others do not have electricity. From last year, there is a push to address these issues moving forward.,” said Mwambughi.
The Economist also highlighted specific infrastructure that is not functioning, including Mkunguni Primary School and Kanjuchi Police Station in T/A Khosolo, as well as the Maternity Wings in Vibangalala and Njuyu in T/A Mtwalo.
However, the CSOs Chairperson, also Executive Director for Mzimba Institute for Development Communication Trust (MIDCT), Christopher Melele, emphasized on the need for the council to improve collaboration with CSOs, share investment plans, and involve all stakeholders, including the media and community members, to ensure effective monitoring and development within the district.
In 2023 GESD assessment, M'mbelwa scored 66 percent, placing it on 9th position.
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