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Local communities want ATI law

 

Representatives of accountability clubs in Nsanje District on Saturday demanded that members of Parliament (MPs) quickly pass the Access to Information (ATI) Bill.

Speaking at a meeting Tiphedzane Community Support Organisation (Ticoso) organised, the representatives, drawn from all wards in the district’s five constituencies, said MPs rejecting the Bill should cease to represent them.

Dansa: Process will be easier
Dansa: Process will be easier

“Since the project started, a lot of things have changed. Development projects that stalled have now been completed because we have been able to follow up with contractors and the district council.

“But we still have problems accessing information from some stakeholders and that is the reason we want the ATI Bill passed as soon as Parliament meets. Those with the information frustrate our efforts to get it by telling us to come again another day,” said Moses Jackson of Dinde Ward in Nsanje South Constituency.

All those who spoke at the meeting concurred with Jackson, saying the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development was the easiest to get information from.

They claimed that some public agencies even ask those seeking information to pay K5 000 to get it.

Ticoso executive director Mike Dansa said apart from empowering the communities to ask for information, the organisation has been helping with accessing the information.

He said: “We have a memorandum of understanding between civil societies and the council on access to information, but there are still some offices that block efforts to access information.

“We feel the process will be easier if there is a law compelling officials to provide information. Communities need to know what goes into projects implemented in their areas and this can only be guaranteed if information is provided.”

The project is funded by National Democratic Institute. n

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