By Suleman Chitera

Lilongwe, Malawi – The World Bank has praised the Malawi Government for the successful implementation of the Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) Project, which has achieved an impressive performance score of over 80 percent, signaling significant progress in strengthening local governance and service delivery across the country.Malawi Freedom Network Crowns Ben Phiri Minister of the Month

The commendation was made on Friday in Lilongwe by World Bank Senior Public Sector Specialist and GESD Team Leader, Eva Malis, during the annual Fiscal Decentralisation Forum. The gathering brought together District Commissioners, Chief Executive Officers, and senior council officials from across Malawi to assess progress and share experiences on fiscal decentralisation.Mutharika Urges World Bank to Boost Malawi Support

Malis described the project’s performance as a major milestone in Malawi’s decentralisation journey, noting that local councils are increasingly embracing accountability, transparency, and fiscal discipline in managing public resources.

“We are very satisfied with the infrastructure, and we are also pleased to see that the performance-based approach introduced under GESD has taken root. District councils continue to improve their performance each year,” said Malis.KICKING OFF DREAMS: Ben Phiri Unveils Trophy to Ignite Grassroots Football Revolution in Thyolo

She added that the project’s success demonstrates the growing capacity of local authorities to effectively manage development resources and deliver essential services to communities.

The Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) Project was designed to strengthen local government systems and improve the delivery of public services through performance-based financing, accountability mechanisms, and enhanced infrastructure development.

Meanwhile, Minister of Local Government Ben Phiri issued a stern warning to controlling officers and council officials against the misuse of public funds, stressing that government will not tolerate corruption, negligence, or poor performance.World Bank, IMF Commend Mutharika Administration for Economic Management Amid Global Pressures

Phiri emphasized that Malawians expect efficient and quality services from local authorities and that every kwacha allocated to councils must be used for its intended purpose.

“I will not tolerate laziness, negligence, or any form of financial misconduct in councils. Those entrusted with managing public resources must be accountable because Malawians deserve quality services,” he said.

The minister further underscored the government’s commitment to strengthening accountability systems within local authorities as part of broader efforts to improve public service delivery and promote development at the grassroots level.Israeli National Nir Gess Under Fire Over Misleading Claims on Malawian Children’s Heart Surgeries

Executive Director of the National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC), Kondwani Santhe, said the Fiscal Decentralisation Forum serves as an important platform for councils to exchange experiences, identify challenges, and share best practices as Malawi advances its decentralisation agenda.

Santhe noted that collaboration among councils is critical to ensuring that gains made through projects such as GESD are sustained and expanded to benefit communities across the country.

The World Bank’s endorsement of the GESD Project comes as Malawi continues implementing reforms aimed at enhancing local governance, improving financial management, and empowering councils to drive socio-economic development.Investigative Report: How Nir Ges Obtained a Diplomatic Passport in Malawi

Observers say the project’s strong performance is a positive indicator that decentralisation reforms are beginning to yield tangible results, potentially paving the way for improved service delivery and greater accountability in local government institutions nationwide.Malawi Receives Massive International Support Under New Finance Minister Mwanamveka