By Rose Cross Mahorya

Mzuzu, August 15, Mana: Government has challenged Mzuzu City Council (MCC) and its stakeholders to be proactive in initiating development projects which can attract government’s funding.

Speaking Monday in Mzuzu when he closed first ever Mzuzu City Summit, Deputy Minister of Local Government, Culture and Unity, Owen Chomanika said the city can only develop if the council work together with its residents and hold accountable duty bearers.

Chomanika said the summit will not bear fruits unless those responsible are taken to task to ensure transparency and accountability.

“No one is going to develop this city better than its residents who need to initiate their desired   development projects to face lift the city,” said Chomanika.

He advised the council to improve its working relationship with its stakeholders for improved efficiency in service delivery.

“I have also noted that MCC has missed out a lot by not utilizing some stakeholders. You cannot just rely on government support.

“We have through this summit witnessed that there are a lot of stakeholders who are willing to support in the development of the city,” he said.

Vice Chancellor for Mzuzu University (Mzuni), Prof. Wales Singini concurred with Chomanika stating that the council needs to take advantage of opportunities that it has within its jurisdiction.

“Mzuni is ready to work with the MCC and we have already identified areas where we can work in partnership with them.

We would like to step in waste management and the development of electronic revenue collection through the Water and Sanitation Department and Information Communication Technology respectively.

Mayor for MCC, Gift Nyirenda, commended stakeholders for supporting preparations of the summit and for availing themselves at the summit.