Govt, NGOs urged to publicise project finances

The National Initiative for Civic Education (Nice) Public Trust has proposed adoption of mandatory requirement for government institutions and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to publicise financial transactions when implementing developmental projects.

Nice district civic education officer for Nsanje, Kondwani Malunga, made the proposal during the district executive committee (DEC) meeting last week.

Malunga stated that the existing state of affairs, where government arms and NGOs are at liberty to keep a tight lid on finances intended for the implementation of developmental projects, provides room for abuse and corruption.

“I am, therefore, proposing that a mandatory requirement for government institutions and non-governmental organisations to publicise their financial transactions be adopted to enhance transparency and accountability in the implementation of developmental projects,” he said.

Malunga observed the absence of Access to Information Law has further aggravated the situation because communities have no basis for demanding information on developmental projects from duty-bearers.

Councillor for Ruo Ward, Marko Molotali, said: “Under the guise of the information being sought after as being classified, most institutions and NGOs deny community and traditional leaders access to information linked to project implementation.”