The Ministry of Local Government has cautioned local councils to check against bureaucratic tendencies within their systems, which delay service provision for the public.
Deputy Minister, Owen Chomanika, made the remarks in Dowa during a quarterly coordination meeting for District Commissioners, Directors, members of Parliament and Councillors from Eastern and Central regions.
The meetings are aimed at enhancing efficiency in the use of resources to meet development aspirations of Malawians.
Chomanika said laxity and delays by some council officers are depriving communities of development projects and essential services.
He called for better coordination at the council level, emphasising that everyone must fulfil their role in service provision.
However, Board Chairperson of the National Local Government Finance Committee, Richard Chapweteka, said most councils have improved on prudence since most are coming up with clean audits.
Yet, Chapweteka noted that some are still struggling with absorption of financial resources they receive.
In the 2024 / 2025 financial year, the National Local Government Finance Committee received K600 billion for development projects in various local councils.
By Isaac Jali
