MZUZU-(MaraviPost)-Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Dr. Ben Phiri, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that all top positions in Local Assemblies are filled with competent officers capable of managing the increased resources allocated to councils.

He said this commitment is especially crucial now that government has revised and significantly expanded the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), which demands enhanced professionalism and accountability at council level.

Dr. Phiri made the remarks on Saturday in Rumphi, where he met council officials and presided over the elevation of Group Village Headman Robert Msowoya to Sub-Traditional Authority (STA) Ndendende at the district council offices.

The Minister emphasized that Malawi needs well-trained, well-equipped, and ethically grounded officials if the country is to achieve its ambition of becoming a middle-income economy by the year 2030.

He stated that strong local governance is central to national development because it is through councils that Malawians access critical services such as health, education, water, and infrastructure, all supported by taxes collected from citizens.

During the elevation ceremony, Dr. Phiri called upon traditional leaders to promote unity, strengthen social harmony, and prevent chieftaincy conflicts by documenting succession plans clearly and transparently.

Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe presided over the official installation of STA Ndendende, a development expected to strengthen traditional leadership structures and accelerate socio-economic progress in Rumphi District.

The Minister highlighted that traditional leaders play a vital role in shaping community development, facilitating government programs, and ensuring peace, which is a key ingredient for sustainable development.

The revised CDF—which has increased from K220 million per constituency to an unprecedented K5 billion—means that Rumphi District’s four constituencies will now collectively receive at least K20 billion every year, making it essential that funds are handled by qualified and accountable officers.

Dr. Phiri concluded by asserting that with competent leadership in councils and responsible stewardship of public funds, Malawi can create meaningful development, improve service delivery, and uplift the lives of citizens across rural and urban communities.

The Maravi Post