The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development has ordered council officers to reside where their designated duty stations are located.
This move aims to address growing concerns over absenteeism and inefficiency caused by long-distance commuting.
In a circular, Secretary for Local Government and Rural Development Moses Owen Chimphepo states that this follows growing concerns over absenteeism and inefficiency caused by long-distance commuting.
The decision is expected to improve service delivery and accountability across local councils.
He observed that several officers live in cities or districts that are far away from their official duty stations, a situation that has led to late reporting for duty, increased absenteeism, and misuse of council resources such as fuel.
This has negatively impacted the quality of public service delivery at the local council level.
“The practice undermines efficiency, accountability, and quality of public service delivery at the local council level,” reads part of the statement.
The Ministry is determined to address these issues and ensure that council officers are accountable to the people they serve.
He states that the directive, which starts immediately, requires that all affected officers must relocate and take up residence within their duty districts, in line with applicable public service regulations.
This move is expected to improve the overall performance of local councils.
District Commissioners and Chief Executive Officers have been tasked to ensure full compliance with the order and report progress to the Ministry.
The Ministry is confident that this move will yield positive results and improve service delivery.
The Ministry says it will also monitor compliance to see improved service delivery and accountability across local councils.
This move is a step in the right direction towards improving governance and public service delivery in Malawi.
This decision is likely to have a significant impact on the lives of Malawians, particularly those in rural areas who rely on these council officers for essential services.
The Ministry’s move is commendable and should be supported by all stakeholders.
