By Burnett Munthali
The Mangochi District Council has launched a new initiative aimed at addressing unresolved complaints from residents through a Grievances Redress Mechanism Committee. The committee’s Terms of Reference were unveiled on Friday during a ceremony attended by various stakeholders, marking a step towards enhancing community engagement and transparency in the district.
The initiative comes in response to the persistent issue of unresolved grievances from the citizenry. Council Chairperson Abdul Yusuf expressed optimism that the mechanism would provide a formal and effective channel for residents to voice their concerns. “This initiative will help the district resolve matters amicably, as people will now be allowed to channel their complaints through this structured system,” Yusuf said.
Yusuf further emphasized that the mechanism is designed to improve transparency and accountability between the council secretariat and the local community, ensuring that grievances are addressed promptly and fairly.
Speaking at the event, Executive Director of the Centre for Social Accountability and Transparency (CSAT), Willy Kambwandila, highlighted his organization’s support for the initiative, noting that it aligns with the projects they are implementing in the district. “We thought it wise to back this initiative because it resonates with our goals of promoting social accountability and transparency,” Kambwandila remarked. He also stressed the importance of raising awareness about the mechanism to ensure that residents are informed and able to utilize it effectively.
The launch brought together chiefs, Traditional Authorities, and other key stakeholders who welcomed the initiative as a crucial tool for improving governance at the district level. It is hoped that the Grievances Redress Mechanism will foster greater community involvement in decision-making and promote accountability among local authorities.
The council, in collaboration with CSAT and other partners, plans to conduct sensitization campaigns to ensure widespread understanding and use of the mechanism. As the initiative moves forward, residents of Mangochi can look forward to having their voices heard and their concerns addressed through this new platform.
