By Burnett Munthali
Ben Phiri, the Minister responsible for local governments, has expressed disappointment over the failure of councils across the country to effectively serve rural communities.
Speaking on Friday in Salima during a development meeting involving councils nationwide, Phiri said the time has come to provide Malawians with support in addressing the challenges they face.
He stated, “I am deeply disappointed that local councils are failing to assist our people in the villages, and this must stop from today onward.”
Phiri emphasized the importance of councils fulfilling their mandate to ensure that rural populations receive the services and support they are entitled to.
Kondwani Santhe, head of the National Local Government Finance Committee, also advised councils to execute their responsibilities with diligence and keep the welfare of their constituents in mind.
Santhe stressed that local councils must prioritize community needs and actively implement programs that improve livelihoods and local development.
In response, James Mwenda, the District Commissioner for Salima, stated that councils are aware of the current development framework and are capable of implementing programs in accordance with ministry directives.
Mwenda added that councils must act proactively and ensure that government initiatives reach intended beneficiaries without delays.
The meeting highlighted concerns that rural communities are often left underserved due to administrative inefficiencies and lack of accountability at the local government level.
Phiri and Santhe urged local authorities to adopt a results-driven approach, ensuring transparency and efficiency in development planning and execution.
Both leaders emphasized that failure to perform could lead to further oversight measures and interventions by national authorities to safeguard citizens’ welfare.
The session concluded with a call for local councils to immediately align their activities with government development strategies and respond effectively to the needs of their communities.
