By Memory Kutengule Chatonda

Blantyre, June 16, Mana:  Blantyre District Council has hailed communities for actively participating and taking ownership of development projects that included harnessing the natural regeneration of forests, and rehabilitating public and private roads in their areas.

Director of Planning and Development, Melayi Mhone commended the communities on Monday during the review meeting with key local leaders on Community Development Month (CDM), which was designated for May, to intensify development projects through self-help initiatives.

Mhone said the council saw communities within the month initiating, managing, and sustaining development projects in their localities instead of waiting for the government to do the work on their behalf.

“So far, we are impressed with the work that has been done under CDM. Indeed, numerous assets have been created, and we believe in the future, with support from different partners, we will do much more,” she said.

Vice chairperson for Blantyre District Council, Mortfort Phalura said the council will continue to empower communities to define their development agenda and take charge of their destiny.

Traditional Authority Kuntaja said regardless of the period for CDM having ended, he will continue to utilize different social gatherings, such as funerals, weddings, and meetings, to encourage his subjects to continue implementing community activities.

“As traditional leaders, we will be at the forefront to implement such activities because they are of great essence to us and the entire communities,” he said.

CDM is part of the public sector reforms in the Ministry of Gender, Community Development, and Social Welfare aimed at contributing to the improved capacity of the community to initiate, manage, and sustain community development programmes on a self-help basis.