Local government candidates taking part in the ongoing debates in Salima have committed to promote transparency and accountability in the administration of development funds in local councils.
The commitment follows concerns over mismanagement of Local Development Fund (LDF), Constituency Development Fund (CDF)as well as District Development Fund (DDF).
Speaking during one of the debates on Thursday at Lungumadzi Primary School in Salima, Kambwiri Ward aspirant councillor Chifundo Katoweka (Malawi Congress Party-MCP) said if he wins, he will decentralise selection of contractors taking part in community projects.
He said using local contractors will assist the council and communities to track project expenditures.
“I hope that with such a system, we will be able to control our resources,” said Katoweka.
During the debate, Isaac Jester (UTM Party and Collins Adin (Democratic Progressive Party-DPP) said lack of proper documentation of financial transactions has negatively contributed to continued mismanagement of public funds in district councils.
The debate also focused on a better working relationship between councillors and members of Parliament.
While commending the aspirants for sharing issue-based manifestos, National Initiative for Civic Education (Nice) Trust Salima district assistant civic education officer Pilirani Chaguza advised the aspirants to stick to their promises when voted in.
