United Nations (UN) resident representative Rebecca Adda- Dontoh has said the UN is open to dialogue on concerns on the recently revised harmonised daily subsistence allowance (DSA) rates.
In a written response yesterday, she said the UN is pondering on the concerns raised mostly by civil society organisations (CSOs) in the country.
Said Adda-Dontoh: “The development partners had a very constructive discussion with NAP. We agreed to maintain open lines of communication and to work collaboratively to address the issues raised.”
National Advocacy Platform (NAP) earlier queried the inconsistency between approved activities for donor-funded projects and conditions for their execution.
NAP chairperson Benedicto Kondowe raised the concern on Wednesday during a meeting called by development partners in Lilongwe to resolve the matter.
He said while development partners continue to approve activities, they impose financial constraints that prevent effective implementation of projects.
Kondowe said the divide between approved funding and real execution costs undermines programme implementation and could result in reduced impact of development initiatives.
He said: “All projects and development partners are now adhering to harmonized DSA guidelines. This discourages local partners who often have to subsidise activity implementation from their own resources, straining their livelihoods.
“In some cases, they are forced to opt for substandard accommodation and meals, compromising their health.”
Kondowe further said the approved DSA rates for local development partners were lower than those of UN travellers; hence, undermining local actors’ participation and creating a financial burden for CSOs.
As alternatives, NAP suggested revising foundations of the harmonised DSAs and optimising cost management by, among others, reducing workshop frequency and diversifying activity implementation methods.
“While the development partners explained the basis of their decision, they acknowledged the need for broader consultation within their constituency, as it was a collective decision. For now, we wait for feedback,” stated Kondowe.
The new allowance guidelines, set by development partners, came into effect on December 20 2024 and also meant to push Malawi Government to cover expenses for its officials.
On June 27, Secretary for Human Resource Management and Development Blessings Chilabade announced a revision of allowances from July 1 2024.
The circular said the government had approved increments in all categories, including allowances for civil servants travelling on duty within Malawi and subsistence allowances for officers travelling on duty outside Malawi.
