By Fostina Mkandawire

Salima, February 25, Mana: National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust has challenged Civil Society Organizations (CSO) in Salima to be vigilant in providing checks and balances to the district council as one way of enhancing transparency and accountability.

The call was made Friday during the Salima District CSOs monthly meeting organized by NICE Trust through Boma Lathu, a European Union funded programme.

NICE Trust District Civic Education Officer, Queen Mataya, underscored the need to have an active CSO network that will speak for the marginalized saying the majority of the community are not involved in decision making processes.

She appealed to CSOs to take extra steps to ensure that they follow and are up to date with council decisions and processes such as budget consultations, procurement and contract awarding.

"There are some decisions that district councils make that directly affect citizens; it is such decisions that have to be keenly followed and where they observe an error they should voice out their concerns," she said.

She, therefore, said for efficient service delivery, there has to be a good working relationship between the council and CSO network at all times.

Salima CSO Network Chairperson, Paul Duncan, said it is their duty and responsibility to ensure that the district council is held accountable.

"Monitoring that resources are channeled towards development and for the betterment of people's livelihoods should be prioritized. If we fail in our duty of serving people of Salima then we need to re-strategies our plans," he said.

He complained that CSOs are not involved in procurement issues, bid opening and contract awarding hence called for their involvement in such important processes.

Salima District Council Chief Planning Officer, Lonia Mwiyeriwa, said for the council to achieve maximum efficiency CSOs have to be involved in most decisions made by the council.

"As advocates, on behalf of the government, they assist us in various areas such as policy change and raising awareness. They are also our source of information and communication with the community.

To complement government’s plans outlined in the Malawi 2063, NICE Trust is implementing Boma Lathu with funding from European Union to address democratic and governance issues.