BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Minister of Local Government, Unity, and Culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda,says the government has released over MK17 billion to promote service delivery and build resilience against climate change.
Speaking on Tuesday in Blantyre, Chimwendo Banda said the funds, aimed at supporting rural councils, will be used to construct infrastructure that can withstand natural disasters.
He said the move is part of the government’s efforts to improve the lives of people in rural areas, where lack of infrastructure often hinders access to essential services.
“We have made significant progress in decentralization, and our aim is to ensure that service delivery starts in the rural councils.
“We are committed to providing resources to councils that use them prudently and effectively,” said Chimwendo Banda.
The Minister also announced that the government has introduced a performance-based grant system, which ensures that only councils that demonstrate good governance and effective resource management receive funding.
He said:” As a result of these efforts, the number of councils with clean audits has increased from zero to 21 in just four years.
“This achievement has motivated donors to provide more resources to support the government’s development agenda.”
Chimwendo Banda then emphasized the importance of decentralization in achieving the government’s development goals, including the Malawi 2063 agenda.
Thyolo District Commissioner Hudson Kuphanga expressed excitement about his council receiving a K1.1 billion grant for a climate resilience project.
He said the funding will support eight projects aimed at enhancing resilience to climate change.
“We have aligned these projects with our Annual Implementation Plan (AIP), making it easier to implement them effectively,” said Kuphanga.