Chiradzulu communities drilled on roles of MPs, councillors

Centre for Alternatives for Victimised Women and Children (Cavwoc) has been sensitising communities in Chiradzulu District on the roles of councillors and members of Parliament (MPs).

The sensitisation also focused on empowering communities to enable them audit development projects in their areas.

Cavwoc programme manager Maxwell Kaliyati said MPs and councillors have different roles that should not be confused.

He said: “The fact that for years the country did not have councillors does not mean that MPs can work without councillors. However, they have to cooperate in everything they do so that they achieve their rightful roles.

“MPs amend Bills and contribute to the national budget by making follow-ups on it. They are also responsible for bringing major developments to the constituency. Councillors are responsible for bringing developments such as construction of school blocks, minor roads, bridges and drilling boreholes, among others.”

Speaking at Litchenza Primary School in the area of Traditional Authority Nkalo in the district on Wednesday, Bashir Chalamanda—Chikowa Ward vice-chairperson for social accountability club (SAC)—said people in the area were not aware that MPs and councillors have different roles.

“Whenever a development project comes to our area, the councillor tells us he/she brought it and the MP also tells us he/she brought it,” he said. n