Youths want voices heard in development 

Youths from Traditional Authority (T/A) Ndamera in Nsanje have faulted duty-bearers for disregarding their input on development plans in the area.

Speaking on Monday at Nyachirenda Primary School during an Area Development Committee  meeting, Ndamera Youth Club vice chairperson Ruth Kamba said although they are represented in the ADC, their contribution is hardly considered.

She said: “We have been lobbying for a youth centre and speedy completion of Mtowe Technical College but nothing is happening.

“It is frustrating because youths entrusted me with the responsibility of representing them in the Committee but our concerns are not utilised.”

Foundation for Civic Education and Social Empowerment (Focese) programme officer Roderick Katuka said youths should hold duty-bearers accountable.

“Their participation should be recognised in the decentralised setup of governance,” he said.

Katuka said the foundation is implementing Walking Together to End Poverty Project to empower youths and other local structures on governance issues.

Focese is implementing the project with K101 million funding from Norwegian Church Aid/Dan Church Aid Joint Country Programme.