By Wendy Mkandawire
The government states that it is planning to restructure district council offices by separating them from city and municipal councils to enhance balanced development across the country.
Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Dr. Ben Phiri disclosed this in Parliament today while responding to questions from MPs on measures the government has put in place to accelerate development in different areas.
Phiri said the Ministry has adopted a policy of locating district councils and city or municipal councils in separate areas instead of the current status of having them in the same urban centers.
He said sites have already been identified for the relocation of Lilongwe and Zomba district council offices from their respective city councils.
The Minister cited Thyolo, where the district council is separate from Luchenza Municipal Council, and Mzuzu City Council, which is separate from M’mbelwa District Council, as an epitome where the arrangement is operating well.
On delays in the Constituency Development Fund, Phiri assured the public that the government is making positive strides.
He pointed to the recent disbursement of K65 million for women and youth loans through MEDF as evidence of the government’s commitment to fulfilling its development agenda.
