By Jones Gadama
Local Government in Malawi has come alive, and the credit goes to two people: the visionary President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, and his hardworking Minister Hon. Ben Phiri.
When President Mutharika took over, he made it clear that development must start from the grassroots.
He said councils must have resources, power and accountability. Minister Ben Phiri has turned that vision into reality.
Under Phiri’s leadership, District Development Funds are being released on time.
Councilors and MPs are now working together to implement projects that people actually need – markets, health posts, water points and feeder roads. No more delays. No more excuses.
The Minister has also introduced performance contracts for councils. Every district must show results.
This is the APM standard of discipline and transparency. President Mutharika believes public money must benefit the people, and Ben Phiri is enforcing it on the ground.
President Mutharika’s kind and loving heart is seen in how rural areas are being prioritized. He told Minister Phiri: “Take development to the village.”
And that is exactly what is happening. From the North to the South, communities are seeing new classroom blocks, bridges, and youth skills centers.
Ben Phiri has also strengthened the relationship between traditional leaders and councils.
Chiefs are now part of planning because APM believes in inclusive leadership. This unity is ending conflicts and speeding up development.
The result? People are seeing tangible projects in their areas. Youth are getting CDF skills programs. Women are getting grants. Local businesses are growing because councils are now functional.
This is what happens when you have a patriotic President who gives direction, and a committed Minister who executes. Malawi’s local government is no longer sleeping. It is working.
Under the dynamic, empathetic and visionary leadership of Professor Mutharika, Malawi is being rebuilt from the grassroots up. And Hon. Ben Phiri is proving to be the right man for the job.
