By Rose Cross Mahorya

Mzuzu, July 15, Mana: Public Sector Reforms Management Department (PSRMD) has underscored the need for District Information Officers (DIOs) and Public Relations Officers (PROs) to understand the public sector reforms programme which government was implementing. 

PSRMD’s Director of Reforms responsible for Information, Education and Communication, Suzgo Khunga made the remarks in Mzuzu on Monday during an orientation workshop for DIOs and PROs in the northern region.

She said the work of DIOs and PROs was very important in ensuring that activities under public sector reforms are bringing positive impact.

Khunga highlighted a number of positive developments that have been implemented by institutions which she said both DIOs and PROs need to get familiar with.

"For reforms implementation to bear positive impact, there is need for proper two-way communication between implementing institutions and the public which are receiving agents.

"However, in all this, DIOs’ and PROs’ job of communicating is at the centre stage, hence the need for them to understand these reforms," the Director said.

During the meeting, participants were presented with the Department's Communication Strategy under review for them to appreciate and share their views on the same.

One of the participants, District Information Officer (DIO) and Spokesperson for Likoma District Council, Ireen Mseteka said engaging them in the reforms implementation process was very important because as officers who speak on behalf of the institutions, they need to be aware of reforms being implemented by their institutions.

"As communicators, we need to be aware of our roles in enforcement of the reforms our institutions are working in because access to information is very key in ensuring that the reforms become successful.

"The orientation has been an eye opener as I am now able to pin point my role as DIO in as far as implementation of reforms is concerned," she added.