The Office of Ombudsman signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Nkhata Bay District Council on Monday as one way of strengthening transparency, accountability and good governance at the council.
In an interview Ombudsman Grace Malera said the deal is significant because it will enhance collaboration with the council.
The MoU was signed last Thursday during a meeting with the Nkhata Bay district executive committee on mobile accountability clinics.
Said Malera: “Alot of issues and complaints we handle relating to maladministration tend to come from district councils. It is, therefore, important to have this kind of arrangement for improved collaboration and we are optimistic to register more success.”
Following the agreement, she said they will have desk officers at the council to ensure Ombudsman services are easily accessible.
Nkhata Bay district commissioner Rodgers Newa commended the Ombudsman’s office for fighting maladministration in the country.
“Public institutions should be closer to the people and that’s what we call service delivery. I am glad that the Ombudsman staff will finally be here in Nkhata Bay,” he said.
The mobile accountability clinics are being held with support from the UNDP in collaboration with National Initiatives for Civic Education Trust and the Office of the Ombudsman.
They are a proactive mechanism the Ombudsman uses to reach communities in rural areas.
It is expected that all the 19 area development committees in Nkhata Bay will be trained this year.
