More complaints flood organisation toll free line
By Sellina Tambula
Centre for Social Accountability a n d Transparency (Csat) has said it is receiving numerous complaints on social injustices since it established a toll free line in August this year under GIZ-funded Public Finance Management Programme.
The programme aims to empower communities through various initiatives to demand transparency and accountability in management of public resources.
Csat engaged media houses from the Southern Region on the programme Friday in Blantyre.
Csat Social Accountability Leader Brian Kunkwenzu said much as the aim of the toll free line is to encourage people to report incidents of corruption in the public sector, most of the complaints it is receiving are on lack of basic social services such as water.
“This shows that there is lack of information on how communities can channel their grievances in relation to development,” Kunkwenzu said.
On corruption and fraud, he said most of the complaints hinge on Constituency Development Fund projects, how loans are being disbursed under National Economic Empowerment Fund and land issues.
“We are referring such cases to relevant authorities such as the ACB [Anti- Corruption Bureau and ombudsman. But on complaints regarding social services, we are giving guidance on how communities can use problem-resolving mechanisms within their communities,” Kunwenzu said.
Misa-Malawi Vice- Chairperson Mandy Pondani called for strengthened partnerships between the media and various organisations in empowering the masses with information that would enable them to demand transparency and accountability in public finance management.
