By Wendy Mkandawire
Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Ben Phiri has confirmed that government will now work through district councils to implement development projects in communities.
Phiri made the remarks in Parliament while responding to concerns from Members of Parliament who asked government to consider constructing modern markets in their respective constituencies.
He said Malawi is operating under decentralization, where functions and sectors have been devolved to councils. However, over a long period resources remained at Capital Hill.
He said this time around, resources are now back in the councils, with central government only playing an advisory and policy-making role.
“It’s very important for people to accept the change that all development projects, except capital projects, will be discussed at council level. Development is no longer supply-driven, it is demand-driven. So what the people demand is what will come, and how they prioritize will be on the basis of the councils,” he added.
Phiri said communities that want markets will have to go through the council. He noted that markets are not only beneficial to the public but also to councils, as they will be able to collect local revenue from structured and modern markets.
According to Phiri, the new approach is aimed at ensuring communities identify and prioritize projects most needed in their areas before implementation.
He further highlighted that councils will play a key role in identifying development priorities and urged communities to focus on projects that will have the greatest impact on people’s lives.
The Minister also urged communities to work closely with their councils in identifying and implementing projects that can improve livelihoods and promote local economic development.
