Blantyre council urges communities to take lead in development projects

By Memory Kutengule Chatonda

Blantyre, May 5, Mana: Blantyre District Council has urged communities to actively participate in and take ownership of development projects within their localities.

Blantyre District Community Development Officer Joseph Gama made the call on Monday during a planning meeting for Community Development Month (CDM) with chairpersons and secretaries of Area Development Committees (ADCs).

CDM is designated for May each year to intensify development projects through self-help initiatives.
Gama explained that during this period, communities are expected to initiate, manage and sustain projects in their areas instead of waiting for government intervention.

“In the past, we had good roads in our communities, but many are no longer in good shape because people are always waiting for government or other partners to step in. This is why we are encouraging communities to participate in community development.

“For this month, Community Development Month envisions carrying out different projects such as constructing and rehabilitating infrastructure like roads, clearing, waste disposal and afforestation, among others,” he said.

He further stressed the need for a mindset change to sustain the self-help approach beyond the designated month, noting that the council will continue to provide support where community resources fall short.

According to Gama, communities that mobilise basic materials such as bricks and sand can be supported by the council and other stakeholders with additional inputs to complete projects.

Soche Area Development Committee (ADC) Chairperson Mphatso Langa welcomed the initiative, describing it as key to strengthening community ownership of development.

“We will be at the forefront to implement the activities because they are of great importance to us,” she said.

Community Development Month (CDM) is part of public sector reforms under the Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare, aimed at strengthening community capacity to initiate and sustain development programmes on a self-help basis in line with Malawi 2063.

This year’s CDM was launched on April 29 by Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare Mary Navicha.