EU urges increased transparency, accountability

European Union (EU) head of delegation Marchel Gerrmann has emphasised the need for Malawians to be aware of their rights and start holding duty-bearers accountable to enhance transparency and accountability.

He was speaking at Pinda Ground in Mchinji on Saturday during the launch and hand over of bicycles to National Initiative for Civic Education (Nice) Trust and volunteers.

During the function, EU handed over 1 000 bicycles and 10 motorcycles to Nice and its volunteers as part of its support of building a more active citizenry capable of exercising its rights and holding duty-bearers to account.

Gerrmann said Malawi is lagging behind in development activities because many citizens are still not aware that it is their responsibility to hold duty-bearers to account.

Gerrmann challenged that Malawi cannot attain sustainable development unless people from the rural communities are well-informed about their rights and are able to demand quality development from service providers as well as demand transparency and accountability from duty-bearers.

In his remarks, Nice executive director Ollen Mwalubunju said his organisation always cherishes the support it gets from EU.