By Sylvester Kumwenda

Dowa, May 28, Mana: District Commissioner for Dowa, Stallichi Mwambiwa, has called for continued teamwork, integrity and dedication amongst Dowa District Council staff in order to improve the council’s operation and service delivery in the 2025/2026 financial year.

He made the remarks Tuesday when the council held its first quarterly management meeting in the 2025/2026 financial year to strategize how the council will conduct operations and implement its activities during the financial year.

Mwambiwa said it is important for head of sectors at the council to meet before spending any money allocated to them.

“This is a new financial year and we have just received our first funding. Before we start our expenditure, there is need for us to meet to remind each other of our obligations, expectations and responsibilities.

“We should also continue to uphold our work ethics, values and observe integrity in anything we do throughout the year so that we, on behalf of government, better serve the people of Dowa,” said Mwambiwa.

He commended the staff for working tirelessly, which, he said, has made Dowa amongst the best performing councils in recent years.

“That is why we need to continue with teamwork and collaboration in order to achieve intended results,” he said.

According to Mwambiwa, the meeting also provided staff with an opportunity to reflect on what worked best, rectify problems, and brainstorm on solutions on potential challenges that may be anticipated.

This, he said, would enable all sectors to be on the same page in activity implementation.

Director of Finance, Martin Mbaya, reminded the staff of the need for proper documentation and adherence to all procurement procedures.

Mbaya also reminded sectors to commit their contributions to integrity activities, like HIV and AIDS, and others from their funding.

Director of Sports and Youth, Christopher Kumikundi, said the meeting will help the council kicks-tart the financial year on a good note.

“This is an important meeting as it has given us a synopsis on the do’s and don’ts so that every money, resource, and even time is used for the intended purpose throughout the year,” said Kumikundi.