By Willy Kadewere and Priscilla Mwakifuna

Chikwawa, October 23, Mana: Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Network in Chikwawa District says is satisfied with the ongoing District Development Fund (DDF) and Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) projects in the district for involving community members in project planning and implementation.

Speaking on Tuesday after a monitoring tour organised by the council, Chairperson for Chikwawa CSOs network, Anderson Billiat, said community involvement is a good approach to ensure accountability and transparency in the management of public funds.

He further praised the council for adhering to project timelines at Nkudzi Community Day Secondary School (CDSS), a GESD-funded project which was built at a tune of K142,000,000 acknowledging that construction was completed earlier than the scheduled period of 90 days.

“Strengthening collaboration between CSOs, the council, and contractors is also crucial in preventing substandard construction,” he advised.

In her remarks, Public Relations Officer for Chikwawa District Council, Leah Malimbasa thanked the CSOs for working closely with the council.

“As a council, we aim to include all stakeholders in the district as we implement various development projects. CSOs are one of the stakeholders crucial for effective and efficient implementation of projects,” she said.

Malimbasa added that going forward, the council will incorporate advice and recommendations from the CSOs and various stakeholders.

“They have physically inspected the works and have provided good suggestions on how we can improve.

“We are also encouraged by the praises we have received in areas that we are doing well, the goal is to utilise funds we get through GESD, DDF and others for infrastructure development and improve service delivery across the district,” she said.

Nsangwe Umoyo Houses Project Management Committee, Chairperson, Felix Messa thanked Malawi Government for constructing a health centre and staff houses in the area, saying this will reduce the long distances people previously took to access healthcare services.

He said the construction of two health worker houses at Nsangwe Health Centre is nearing completion and further acknowledged that the contractor maintained higher standards throughout the construction.

Messa also highlighted the role of the community monitoring committee, saying it keeps holding the contractor accountable.

Similarly, the Chairperson of the Nkudzi CDSS Project Management Committee, Stephano Gomiwa said the new school is a game-changer for local students, who previously had to walk long distances to access education at Mfera CDSS which is over 12 kilometres from Nkudzi.

“Our children used to walk long distances to reach Mfera CDSS. With Nkudzi CDSS in place, children have started learning closer to home.

“45 students were selected to this school and the school has currently started its operations,” Gomiwa said.