By Brighton Tchongwe

Minister of Local Government and Urban Development Ben Phiri has commended the World Bank and District Commissioners for their commitment in ensuring the successful implementation of development projects across the country, saying Malawi has achieved a project implementation rate of over 90 percent.

Phiri made the remarks on Friday in Lilongwe during the 2026 Annual Fiscal Decentralization Forum.Limpopo FM advises activists to speak of themselves not others

He said the achievement is unprecedented and demonstrates the effectiveness of decentralized development efforts being implemented through local councils.

The Minister also praised councils for improving financial accountability, noting that 26 out of the country’s 36 councils received qualified audit reports, while 22 councils performed exceptionally well in various performance assessments.

“When you achieve 80 percent and above, that is considered a distinction. The average performance of our councils is around that level, and that is a success story for Malawi,” said Phiri.

He explained that councils have recorded strong performance in the implementation of projects under the Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) programme, including the construction of schools, health facilities, bridges and other public infrastructure.MCP’s Kondwani Phiri urges by-election candidates to prepare thoroughly

Phiri expressed confidence that councils would replicate the same success in implementing projects under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), stressing that performance-based systems have proved effective in delivering results.

He warned civil servants against complacency and poor performance, saying government would not tolerate inefficiency at a time when Malawians expect improved service delivery and development.

“Malawians expect change, development and better living standards. We need results. Whether male or female, those who fail to perform will be removed from the system,” he said.GERALD PHIRI JNR HAS ARRIVED TO JOIN THE FLAMES CAMP.

Speaking at the same event, Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) Senior Public Sector Specialist and Task Team Leader Eva Melis described the programme as a significant success, revealing that more than 700 projects have been implemented, with over 90 percent already completed.

Melis said the programme has contributed to improved access to essential services through the construction of schools, markets, health centres, bridges and roads.World Bank Applauds Malawi’s Local Councils as GESD Project Scores Over 80%, Minister Warns Against Misuse of Public Funds

“We are pleased to see that the introduction of the GESD performance-based approach has strengthened institutional capacity across districts, resulting in improved service delivery and better performance by councils,” she said.

The Annual Fiscal Decentralization Forum brought together government officials, development partners and local authorities to review progress and discuss strategies for strengthening decentralization and local governance in Malawi.