By Alice Ndunya

Machinga, June 13, Mana:  Following public sector reform perfomance review meeting with the Vice President, Dr. Michael Usi in Blantyre on Friday, Machinga District Council says it will put more efforts to accelerate performance in implementing activities under the public sector reform guidelines.

The council made its commitment while presenting its progress report to the Vice President at Sunbird Mount Soche Hotel, where the report received constructive feedback highlighting areas of underperformance.

While presenting the report, Machinga Council’s Director of Planning and Development, Noel Dakamau, highlighted several successes, including the organization of farmer clubs to promote the use of tractors for agricultural mechanisation aimed at ensuring sustainable food security and advancing agri-business. He also noted the introduction of paying wards at Machinga District Hospital to enhance access to health services and boost revenue generation.

“We came up with these initiatives to mobilise revenue from farmer clubs for purchase of tractors for agricultural mechanisation so that communities should fully utilise the tractors with true sense of ownership,” he added.

Dakamau however, expressed concern over lack of commitment and cooperation from some local leaders and communities in the district in advancing reform agenda.

“As a council, we at times face resistance from other communities and chiefs, which is worriesome considering that our interest is to serve them altogether,” he added.

In his remarks, Usi acknowledged the council’s commitment in utilising available resources to attain sustainable food production, saying Machinga’s commitment was a move in the right direction, towards successful execution of reform areas that were also in line with Malawi’s development aspirations outlined in Malawi Vision 2063.

He therefore bemoaned tendency of some local leaders that are reluctant to lead in line with government development agenda, saying this is retrogressive and unfortnunate.

“I appeal to leaders that they should learn to act in the best interest of the people they serve, other than doing things for personal interests,” added.

Taking his turn, Machinga District Commissioner, Rodrick Mateauma, attributed the council’s good performance to sector collaboration and team spirit among members of staff.

“We are highly committed to put efforts that should make us achieve our goals in line with public sector reforms,” the District Commissioner added and also pledged to address issues that contribute to low perfomance in achieving best results in public sector reform.

Overall performance of Machinga District Council in 2024/25 financial year, according to Local Authority Performance Assessment (LAPA) saw an outstanding improvement from position 28 previously to position five in the year under review.

Apart from Machinga District Council, Neno and Mangochi Municipal Council also presented progress reports.

Tewo parastatals, Malawi Posts Corporation and Malawi Broadcasting Corporation also presented their reform progress reports.