Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Dr Ben Phiri on Monday launched the Local Authorities Financing and Fiscal Decentralisation Strategy (LA-FFDS), aimed at strengthening financial management and improving service delivery in local councils.
The strategy was launched alongside a financial management symposium attended by directors of finance and internal auditors from local councils across the country.
Speaking during the launch, Phiri described the strategy as a major milestone that will guide councils in managing resources and implementing development projects effectively.
“This strategy is not just a document; it reflects the Governments vision for development.
Councils have been entrusted with huge responsibilities under decentralisation and the devolution of resources. The Government has ambitious development goals, and local councils have a critical role to play in achieving them,” he said.
Phiri urged local council officials to adopt a results-oriented mindset and improve their performance, noting that Government has increased funding allocations to support development initiatives.
“We cannot continue doing business as usual. It is time to raise our standards and deliver according to the expectations of the people and the development aspirations of this country,” he added.
He further warned council officials against unprofessional conduct, saying some negative findings in audit reports stem from fear and weak oversight among directors involved in malpractice.
World Bank Senior Public Service Specialist Eva Malis expressed satisfaction with the implementation of the first phase of the Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) programme, saying nearly 95 percent of planned projects across districts had been completed.
“We are supporting the Government of Malawi in implementing this project, and we are impressed with the progress made. Looking at where we started and where we are now, I am encouraged by the commitment the Government has shown,” said Malis.
Executive Director of the National Local Government Finance Committee Kondwani Santhe said the LA-FFDS will promote accountability, improve financial reporting and ensure prudent use of public resources.
“It is encouraging that local financial managers are gathered here to strengthen their capacity and appreciate what public financial management regulations require,” he said.
Through the Reformed Constituency Development Fund (RCDF), the Government has allocated K1.45 trillion to local government authorities, with each constituency receiving K5 billion.
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