By Golden Kang'oma

Salima, September 21, Mana: As one way of strengthening collaborative efforts between the media and Government officials, National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust on Thursday organized an interface meeting between members of the media and Salima District Council officials.

NICE Trust's Salima District Programs Officer Queen Mataya, said the initiative was important as it provided a platform to discuss issues hindering the media from effectively executing their duties and how to build a strong working relationship with council officials.

"We want to empower the media to effectively report on issues that enhance transparency to address challenges in their working relationship and promote transparency and accountability in local governance," he said.

The engagement meeting was part of the ongoing "Boma Lathu" project which NICE is implementing and is aimed to strengthen the collaboration between the media and the district council.

“One of our interventions under the Boma Lathu project is to support the media in reporting issues that promote transparency and accountability. This interface meeting was crucial for both sides to discuss and resolve any outstanding issues that may hinder their collaboration,” She said

Mataya also expressed optimism that the dialogue would lead to a stronger relationship between the media and the council as the meeting provided a platform for both parties to openly discuss challenges and seek solutions to improve their collaboration.

Salima District Council’s Director of Human Resources and Administration, Grace Kantande, acknowledged the concerns raised regarding access to information and committed to addressing them.

“We have heard the concerns about access to information. Moving forward, we need to meet as management and determine the best way to support our media partners.

"The media is crucial to us, as they provide the information we need daily. We must improve how we share information with them to benefit not only Salima but the entire nation,” Kantande stated.

Director for Salima Governance Network (SAGNET), Charles Mwangupili highlighted the meeting's potential to enhance development projects through improved checks and balances facilitated by a robust media and council relationship.

“This engagement organized by NICE Trust is vital for improving our relationship with the media. It will undoubtedly contribute to better governance by ensuring that development projects are scrutinized effectively,” Mwangopili said.