NICE presses for listening, responsive elected leadership
National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Public Trust has emphasized the need for elected leaders to be responsive and always listen to views and needs of the people and be able to present them to the government.
NICE District Programs Officer Daniel Malango made the sentiments during an interface meeting the trust organized under the Boma Lathu Program, which is being funded by the European Union.
The interface meeting was organized for the member of Parliament (MP) for Dedza North West, Auzius John Chidovu, and his constituents at Katewe Primary school.
Malango observed that a majority of duty bearers do not represent their constituents accordingly, citing failure by elected officers to consult their constituents before going to parliament.
“MPs need to listen to the voices of their constituents because they were elected to present their development needs to government for possible interventions, “noted Malango.
“Government resources need to be utilized according to the community needs that are compiled by village development committees and area development committees,” noted Malango.
However Chidovu explained that his constituency has benefitted quite a lot from several development funds namely Constituency Development Fund, District Development fund and GESED
“I always touch base with my constituents through the ADC and VDCs and the developments that are taking place in this constituency were proposed by the people themselves,” explained Chidovu adding “I want the ADC and VDCs to be vibrant and come up with development plans that respond to the needs of this constituency”.
But Chidovu who once served as a ward counselor for Katewe condemned some constituents who want to be benefiting from social cash transfers and also bursary schemes and yet they are capable of supporting themselves.
Chidovu explained that the number of the applicants for the bursary scheme was beyond the allocated funds in the CDF and this was affecting the implementation of other projects.
“Let us learn to be self-reliant if we are to develop as a country because some applicants for social cash transfers as well as bursary scheme are people who can support themselves, “noted Chidovu.
However Group Village man Kansepa pleaded with the MP to consider a school block at Kantambo Primary school where the old block that was built by the communities fell down due to heavy rains.
“Let part of the K200 million CDF that you have mentioned be used in constructing a school block in our area and also consider constructing a good health facility in this constituency,” pleaded the Village headman.
Senior Group Maliwa who represented Traditional Authority Chilikumwendo advised the constituents to peacefully coexist despite political differences adding that there were several political camps that were emerging in the constituency that were confusing people.
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