Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Mchinji District have emphasised the importance of community ownership in the implementation of government projects.
According to the Vice Chairperson of Mchinji Civil Society Organisations, Davis Damson, citizen engagement in project implementation enhances the acceptance and sustainability of development initiatives.
“Community involvement is key to ensuring that projects truly serve the people. When citizens participate, they feel a sense of ownership, which ultimately leads to better project outcomes,” said Damson.
He further highlighted the role of project implementation committees in promoting transparency and accountability.
“If these committees are actively monitoring the projects, it increases transparency and accountability, which in turn helps to build trust with donors,” Damson explained.
Damson urged the Mchinji District Council to empower these committees, stressing that their involvement is crucial for the success of government-funded initiatives.
Currently, the CSOs are preparing to embark on the second phase of monitoring projects under the Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) initiative in the district.
“In the first phase of monitoring, we observed that some projects were implemented without project implementation committees. This is a major concern, as it undermines proper oversight and community engagement,” Said Damson.
The CSOs are optimistic that increased citizen participation in project implementation will lead to more effective and sustainable development in Mchinji.
By : Vester Chunga
