By Isaac Jali
Chief Secretary to the Government, Justin Saidi, has advised controlling officers in ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to regularly update the public on the reforms they are implementing and how these are improving service delivery for the benefit of Malawians.
Saidi made the call in Lilongwe during the launch of the General Public Portal, which allows members of the public to access information on government reforms.
Saidi said the platform empowers citizens to track the reforms being implemented by the government and assess their impact on service delivery.
He said the platform also strengthens transparency and accountability among ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), arguing that a public service that is open about its performance is better placed to improve.
Saidi observed that as citizens, civil society organisations and development partners use the portal to raise questions and share their views, controlling officers and chief executive officers should be ready to listen and treat the feedback as an input towards improving reforms and service delivery.
He therefore called on controlling officers to ensure that the portal is regularly updated with fresh, accurate and high-quality information that reflects the true state of affairs.
Principal Secretary for Public Sector Reforms, Luckie Sikwese, said reforms implemented by various MDAs are improving service delivery.
The portal is open to all Malawians, development partners and civil society organisations.
Malawi 2063, the country’s long-term development vision, calls for effective institutions and a public service capable of delivering development results, making the new portal an important tool for promoting transparency and accountability.
