Citizen forum flushes out ghost workers in Nsanje

Nsanje-based Alufazema Citizen Forum has flushed out ghost workers from the Public Works Programme (PWP), which the Local Development Fund (LDF) is implementing in the district.

LDF is implementing a productive safety nets PWP through Malawi Social Action Fund (Masaf IV) to reduce the shocks that come with deforestation and adverse effects of climate change.

Recently, National Initiative for Civic Education (Nice) Trust sensitised the forum on the rights, responsibilities and principles of democracy and good governance.

Alufazema Citizen Forum chairperson Jonas Ndafewa said the knowledge they acquired helped them gain confidence to demand transparency and accountability in the implementation of development projects in the area of group village head  Alufazema, Traditional Authority (T/A) Mlolo in the district.

“We monitored Masaf IV projects in their area to ensure transparency and accountability and that public funds in the area are put to a better use to benefit the community.  In the process, we flushed out 29 ghost workers from the PWP payroll in our area alone,” he said.

District commissioner Gift Rapozo confirmed the development.

Nsanje Nice district civic education officer Kondwani Malunga said citizen forums are proving to be effective in enhancing transparency, accountability and good governance at council level nationwide.

“We believe communities have to be empowered through citizen forums to demand transparency and accountability from all leaders who claim to be serving the public whether they are from the community, government and non-governmental organisations,” said Malunga. n