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Council takes pre-budget consultations to communities

Zomba District Council has said holding pre-budget consultations is one way of enhancing governance at the local level and giving people an opportunity to participate in budget formulation.

The council’s team leader for participatory budget process Clifton Thyangathyanga said this at Ngwelero Extension Planning Area (EPA), Sub Traditional Authority Ngwelero in the district where he launched pre-budget consultations with different stakeholders in the area.

He said the council had to employ a demand-driven strategy by consulting communities on what they want to be included in the national budget.

“Essentially, we are seeking views from communities on what development projects should be included in the 2013/2014 financial year.

“So, basically we dwelt on areas such as irrigation and water development, fisheries, forestry, agriculture and food security, health, environment and education, among others.

“Sometimes government implements projects which are not priorities for communities thereby not addressing their needs. Besides, such participatory approach accords communities an opportunity to know which government departments are responsible for the projects taking place in their respective areas,” said Thyangathyanga.

In his remarks, STA Ngwelero applauded the council for the pre-budget consultation initiative, saying it will help people to take part in budget formulation.

The exercise is being implemented by the Malawi Local Government Association (Malga) in different districts with funds from Department for International Development (DfID) Tilitonse Programme.

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