Malawi Local Government Association (Malga) is protesting a Ministry of Education decision to construct primary schools across the country’s regions, saying this undermines the spirit of devolution of power.
The bone of contention is a newspaper advert from the ministry calling for pre-qualification of contractors for the completion of urban primary schools in Mzuzu, Lilongwe and Blantyre cities.
In a letter dated October 16 2024 and addressed to the Secretary for Education, Malga is seeking an audience with the ministry to discuss this arrangement as primary school education is a devolved function which falls under councils’ mandate.
Reads the letter in part: “It would, therefore, ordinarily be expected that the functions would fall within the mandate of the local government authorities, and not the central actors, including the Ministry of Education.
“As you are aware Sir, the Ministry of Education mandate in relation to the devolved function of primary education, remains policy guidance and supervision.”
Malga further indicates that the decision to “centralise the said project” is contrary to the newly-launched Decentralisation Policy (2024) which stresses on full devolution of powers to councils.
Further reads the letter: “We are, therefore, with due respect, request for a round table discussion on this matter between your Ministry and the Association and other key stakeholders.”
In an interview yesterday, Malga executive director Hadrod Mkandawire confirmed writing the ministry on the matter, but declined to comment further, saying he would rather engage the concerned stakeholder.
Ministry of Education spokesperson Mphatso Nkuonera confirmed receiving the communication.
He said: “We have received the communication through a formal letter, and the ministry will engage with Malga directly, formally, also; not through the media.
“We cherish the spirit of contact and dialogue as we work together to develop the country and advance quality education for all towards the achievement of Malawi 2063. Ndizotheka”.
An official from the Ministry of Local Government who did not want to be named but is quite familiar with decentralisation processes backed Malga’s concern.
Said the official: “They raise a valid point. Primary school education is under local councils and, therefore, they should be the ones carrying out construction and all other issues. But this is typically the politics of project management. The ministry has a whole unit that manages infrastructure projects. The best is to decentralise this unit or closely work with councils if there are capacity gaps.”
Two years ago, Malga also protested against a decision by the Ministry of Health to manage a K4 billion fund meant for rehabilitation of health centres across the country, arguing that the ministry’s role undermined local government authorities.
The project was later halted and councils were taken on board to manage the fund.
