Chitipa CSO Network to promote development
Chitipa Civil Society Organisation (CSO) Network new chairperson Patrick Ziba says he will work with the district council to promote development.
Ziba, who is Thembi Community Initiative director, was elected new chairperson on Wednesday to fill the position which became vacant when former chairperson, Sydney Simwaka, resigned after a month in office.
He was elected unopposed as he was the erstwhile vice-chairperson for the grouping.
In his acceptance speech, Ziba assured the council that his committee will maintain good collaboration between CSOs and Chitipa District Council and continue complementing the council’s efforts to develop the district.
“Communities in Chitipa should expect a vibrant CSO network. The network will
work with stakeholders and citizens for sustainable development at district and national levels,” he said.
Chitipa district director of planning and development Josen Tembo urged the newly elected chairperson and all CSO network members to develop a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the district council to promote a good working relationship.
He urged the grouping to promote capacity building and awareness on development issues at the grassroots level to bring about mindset change in communities.
“Different structures must be formed starting from the district to the community level. Local people, including the youth, should be involved in development activities taking place in their areas,” said Tembo.
He also advised all CSOs operating in the district to be transparent and accountable to the district council and the communities they are working in
