NGO set to empower people to track projects

Centre for Social Accountability and Transparency (Csat) has launched a project to empower local structures in Machinga to monitor projects in the district.

Speaking on Friday during the launch of the project in the district, Ministry of Local Government director of local government services Darwin Pangani said the culture of accountability and transparency was important for the country’s development.

He said: “We are excited that government has partners such as Csat whom we can work together to bring about change in the country.

“We hope lives, especially those of poor people, will improve.”

Pangani said improved service delivery was crucial for the people, especially those in rural areas.

Csatexecutive director Willy Kambwandira said they successfullyimplemented the project in Traditional Authority Msakambewa in Dowa and wanted to introduce it to Machinga.

He said: “We believe in working together between policymakers and rights holders for accountability sake. We all have the responsibility to create vigilant communities.

“Let us all fill a gap for social accountability and networking for the good of this nation.”

Machinga district director of planning and development McPherson Mwakhwawa welcomed the project, saying it was crucial for the development of the district.

He said: “As you know that monitoring and evaluation are key to successful project implementation, we are happy with the project.

“Of particular interest is the empowerment of grassroot structures such area development committees to enable them to track projects.”

Rose Mangulenje, a community member, hailed Csat for launching the project, saying people should be empowered to hold duty-bearers to account.

“Local structures should follow how projects are being implemented in the district,” she said.

Csatis also implementing the Strengthening Governance Accountability through Citizen Oversight in Mangochi District.