Presidential advisor on Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) Martha Kwataine has hailed Balaka district council and CSOs for the good working relationship in an effort to uplift the welfare of people.
She made the remarks during CSOs engagement meeting where their was presentation of various activities which the CSOs are doing together with the council. “I am impressed with what is happening here in Balaka their is openness and good working relationship between the council and CSOs,” said Kwataine.
Kwataine urged the CSOs to put their house in order by ensuring the citizens also get information on what they do in a right time. ” We should not be asking government to be accountable all the time, even us we are suppose to be accountable in whatever we do. CSOs can also lobby and advocate on issues that affect councils” said Kwataine
She further also asked the CSOs to be voice of the voiceless including to council officials not the citizens only. “Where government is doing well CSOs should appreciate, when government done something bad they should also do the same because they are watchdogs of the citizens, “said Kwataine.
Director of Planning and Development Chris Nawata also concurred with presidential advisor on CSOs remarks. ” Since I come here there are alot of activities which we have been together and the CSOs always engage us if their is any information which they want the council to clarify to them on issues that effect citizens,” said Nawata.
Nawata said where their are challenges CSOs should come and work together with for the betterment of the district.
Balaka CSO chairperson John Bamusi said it is very important that their is good relationship between council and CSOs. Because CSOs are there to complement government efforts in all areas of development.
