By Chisomo Kambandanga

Nkhata Bay, October 22, Mana: The Office of Ombudsman entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Nkhata Bay District Council on Monday as one way of strengthening transparency, accountability and good governance.

In an interview after an interface meeting with Nkhata Bay District Executive Committee on mobile accountability clinics, Ombudsman Grace Malera said that the MOU is significant because it will enhance collaboration with councils and taking the office to the people.

“Alot of issues and complaints we handle relating to maladministration tend to come from district councils. It is very important to have this kind of arrangement for improved collaboration and we are optimistic to register more success,” Malera said.

According to Malera, the intention is to have desk officers in all councils to make its services more accessible.

In his remarks, Nkhata Bay District Commissioner, Rodgers Newa commended the work that the Ombudsman is doing in the fight against maladministration adding that their coming to the council means better service delivery to the people.

“Public institutions should be closer to the people and that’s what we call service delivery. I am glad that you are here today to highlight to us what you do and your expectations from us. We will give full support to your desk officer,” Newa said.

With support from the UNDP and collaboration with NICE Trust, the Office of the Ombudsman is conducting Mobile Accountability Clinics, a proactive mechanism that the Office of Ombudsman uses to reach communities in rural areas during which all the 19 Area Development Committees will be engaged in Nkhata Bay.