By Chisomo Kambandanga:
Vice President Michael Usi, who is also president for Odya Zake Alibe Mulandu Party, has urged communities in Nkhata Bay to hold their leaders accountable on the use of public funds, with emphasis on Constituency Development Funds (CDF).
Usi made the call on Tuesday at Mpamba Trading Centre in the area of Senior Chief Timbiri during a whistle-stop tour.
According to Usi, CDF is meant to develop communities and it is essential for citizens to demand transparency and accountability from their leaders regarding how the funds are used.
“The CDF is money for the people and for development. Government increased the allocation of these funds to about K200 million per constituency with hope of addressing communities’ needs.
He said in some areas, people are still complaining about issues that this money could have solved, allowing the focus to shift to other priorities.
“It’s time for people to know how this money has been used. If there are challenges, they should be explained to the people, even though we know these funds may not cover all community needs,” he added.
He also asked leaders not take people for granted but provide all the information to them.
Usi also urged all registered voters to go out and vote in the general elections on September 16, stating that failing to vote is also a vote by giving power to those who may not deserve it.
“This time around, as the campaign progresses, people will be bombarded with promises. What matters most is to look at the track records of those making these claims. What have they done in the past? Make a clear and informed decision,” he added.
In her remarks, Odya Zake Alibe Mulandu Party shadow Member of Parliament for Nkhata Bay Mpamba, Nancy Mwenda said once voted into power, she will empower youth through various sporting activities and support women in diverse business ventures.
Senior Chief Timbiri noted that Mpamba Trading Centre is growing rapidly and requested various interventions to keep youth engaged and help prevent them from indulging in harmful behavior.
