Community leaders from Senior Chief Maseya in Chikwawa District have commended the National Initiative for Civic Education (Nice) Trust for empowering communities to demand improved service delivery from duty-bearers.

Speaking on Tuesday during a meeting between communities and Chikwawa District Council officials at Bereu in the district, Citizen Forum chairperson Elliot Khulea said such meetings help citizens understand the council’s plans on development projects and how those projects are being implemented.

He said: “We received reports that a maternity block will be constructed at Bereu dispensary, but we did not have much information as to why construction works delayed for years.

Jali responds to questions during the meeting

“Through this meeting, we know plans are at an advanced stage, but the major issue is limited space.”

The district’s lands officer Peter Jali said land for the maternity block was identified in liaison with the Chikwawa District Hospital advisory committee.

“However, according to government’s specifications, the space is limited, which will affect the movement of healthcare workers and users,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the district’s heath office, Chifatso Jere encouraged the citizens to consider the issue of space seriously to avoid a scenario where the structure is constructed, but fails to open because staff and users cannot move around comfortably.

Bwabwali Ward councillor Gerald Bede commended Nice Trust for facilitating the meeting to discuss the gaps which if not sorted out, may result in the project being implemented elsewhere.    

Nice Trust Chikwawa civic education officer Kondwani Malunga commended the people for engaging council officials on development issues.

“We are promoting good governance and increased participation of disadvantaged groups such as women and youths in democratic processes,” he said.

The activity was funded by the European Union under Boma Lathu Project which Nice is implementing across the country.

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