By Phillimon Backson
The Centre for Community Organisation and Development (CCODE) has developed Mgona – Chatata ward profile to better engange the communities and understand their needs before implementing development projects to ensure meaningful and sustainable impact.
CCODE Advocacy and Community Engagements Officer, Mazgo Khonje, said the profile demonstrates that Mgona – Chatata Ward Community can take charge of its own development and deliver sustainably.
“Now people of Mgona – Chatata ward are ready to participate at all levels of development and we hope that this community centered approach will be maintained as it benefits more people.” Said Khonje.
Khonje added that community engagement and urban profiling play a crucial role in identifying development gaps and priorities, thereby enabling duty-bearers and development partners to implement projects that directly respond to the needs of local communities.
He made the remarks on Thursday in Mgona, Lilongwe, during a review of the socio-economic profile for the Mgona–Chatata Ward aimed at identifying key development interventions required by residents in the area.
Khonje noted that involving communities in the planning process not only promotes inclusive development but also enhances accountability and ensures that resources are directed towards projects that have the greatest impact on people’s livelihoods.
Meanwhile, Deputy Director of Planning at Lilongwe City Council, Gift Kasamila, commended CCODE for the initiative, expressing optimism that it will help duty-bearers better understand the needs of residents and facilitate the provision of essential services and development projects in the area.
CCODE is currently implementing the Accelerating Locally-Led Responses to Climate Change in Informal Settlements and Slums (ALLRCISS) project in Mgona–Chatata Ward, an initiative aimed at strengthening community resilience to the impacts of climate change through locally driven solutions.
