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(NYASATIMES) Malawian MPs call for closer relations with Zambia

Malawian MPs call for closer relations with Zambia
By Nyasa Times
Published: October 20, 2009

Malawian Members of Parliament (MPs) have called for effective partnership with Zambia for the two countries to exchange ideas on the implementation of the decentralisation policy, which has succeeded in their country.

Delegation leader, Beatrice Mwenifumbo said in Lusaka on Monday that her team had come to learn what role Parliament played in implementing decentralisation policy in Zambia.

Speaking when the delegation paid a courtesy call on acting Local Government and Housing Minister Bradford Machila, Ms Mwenifumbo said Malawians and Zambians were one people and needed to consult each other.

Following the adoption of multi-party democracy in 1993, a new constitution for Malawi was adopted in 1995.

The new constitution of Malawi provided for the decentralisation of government powers through the creation of a local government system in the country.

“We are here to learn and share knowledge on how the different committees of Parliament relate to the implementation of decentralisation and also oversee the operations of local authorities,” Ms Mwenifumbo said.

She said her country wanted to know how different players such as central government, local governments and the national assembly were related in the decentralisation policy.

She, however, said decentralisation in Malawi begin in 1990 when her government started to implement initiatives that would decentralise some government functions to local authorities.

Ms Mwenifumbo said, with the directive of her country’s cabinet, a number of studies were carried out.

“These culminated in the development of decentralisation policy which was approved by the cabinet in 1998 and in December the same year, the local government Act which create local authorities and defined their functions was passed by the national assembly,” she said.

The policy was aimed at promoting accountability and good governance at the local level to help government reduce poverty and mobilise the masses for socio-economic development.

Ms Mwenifumbo said she was happy that the delegation of MPs was sent to Zambia to exchange views to enhance development through decentralisation.

Speaking earlier, Mr Machila said the current National Constitution Conference (NCC) had endorsed decentralisation policy though it had challenges that needed to be tackled.

Mr Machila, who is Livestock Minister, said the policy was a significant tool because it spelled out how local authorities could participate to foster economic growth.

“We are glad to receive you and we hope we shall be able to exchange ideas and skills on how we could enhance our decentralisation policy between our two countries,” he said.

Labels: BRADFORD MACHILA, DECENTRALIZATION, LOCAL GOVERNMENT, MALAWI, MPs, ZAMBIA

posted by MrK @ 5:02 PM