Capacity building among community leaders crucial for development
The Pan African Civic Educators Network (Pace-net) has described capacity building in good governance and accountability among community leaders as a crucial element in ensuring community participation in development projects.
Pace-net Board Chairperson Anthony Kasunda made the remarks on Friday in Thyolo when he closed a one-week training on good governance for 80 ward council committee members from eight wards under Luchenza Municipality.
Those trained include chiefs, ward councillors and community members. Kasunda said such trainings provide skills to local leaders and members of the community on planning, implementation and monitoring of local development projects.
“Leaders need to understand that members of the community are obliged to demand accountability and it would be easier if they work together other than imposing development projects on them,” said Kasunda.
Mayor for Luchenza Municipality Harold Kaliwo hailed the ward council committees, saying they have encouraged and improved coordination between communities and the council.
Group Village Headman Kanthawire said ward committees have helped to minimise misunderstandings on management of Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and Local Development Fund (LDF) among community members.
Pace-net conducted the training through its Zotheka project with financial support from the Tilitonse Fund.
