Gesd projects impress deputy minister
Deputy Minister of Local Government Halima Daud has expressed satisfaction with implementation of projects under the Governance to Enable Service Delivery (Gesd) and District Development Fund (DDF) in Nsanje District.
She expressed the sentiment on Tuesday after inspecting construction works of Chimombo Health Post, the facility’s staff house, Tengani Police Unit, Tengani Market and Senior Chief Malemia’s house.
However, Daudi asked councils in the country to introduce a minimum package of structures.
“There have been cases where councils construct a school block without sanitary facilities, water and electricity. Complete the whole package and not implement piecemeal projects,” she said.
Daud advised Nsanje District Council to strive for excellence to be allocated more Gesd resources.
Nsanje district chief planning and development officer Smith Mnenula said in the 2021/22 financial year, the council received K102.3 million DDF and K140 million Gesd which they invested in 14 projects.
He said inflation, suspension of key council officers and laxity by some contractors delayed progress of the projects.
Gesd coordinator Charles Chunga asked leaders to settle for important projects that will benefit many people in the district.