New M’mbelwa finance director tightens financial controls, raising concern among council officers

M’mbelwa District Council’s newly appointed Director of Finance (DoF) has introduced tighter financial controls, a development that has reportedly unsettled some council officers who were accustomed to receiving payments and allowances that sources have described as questionable or insufficiently justified.

Malawi24 understands that the new measures have affected several financial practices at the council, particularly the processing and approval of allowances and other expenditures that require greater scrutiny.

Sources within the council say some officers have expressed dissatisfaction with the changes, describing the new procedures as restrictive in the management and approval of council funds.

However, the measures are reportedly intended to ensure that public resources are managed in accordance with financial regulations, approved budgets and the purposes for which the funds were allocated.

Some council employees are said to have raised concerns after requests for allowances and other payments were subjected to additional scrutiny before approval.

The development comes amid growing calls for greater accountability, transparency and prudent management of public resources at district councils across Malawi.

Mzimba Youth Organization (MYO) Executive Director Reverend Moses Nkhana has welcomed the changes, saying stronger financial controls are essential to safeguarding public resources.

Nkhana said his organisation was pleased to see the Office of the Director of Finance taking a more active role in ensuring that council finances are properly managed and accounted for.

“We are happy that now the office of the DOF is doing its job. In the past, we saw misuse of funds, more especially revenue collections, where the collections could go to some numbers, which was totally wrong,” said Nkhana.

He said improved financial management would strengthen accountability and ensure that revenue collected by the council is properly accounted for and channelled towards the delivery of essential services to communities.

According to Nkhana, financial controls should not be viewed as an obstacle to council operations but as an important mechanism for protecting public funds from abuse and ensuring that resources benefit the communities they are intended to serve.

The introduction of stricter controls at M’mbelwa District Council is therefore likely to attract further attention as stakeholders continue to demand greater transparency in the collection, management and utilisation of public revenue.

Malawi24 understands that some of the concerns raised by council officers relate to decisions and procedures introduced by the new Director of Finance. However, the affected officers have not publicly provided detailed evidence to substantiate their concerns.

Proper financial management requires public institutions to maintain accurate records, follow approved financial procedures and ensure that public funds are used for legitimate and authorised activities.

The new measures could provide an opportunity for M’mbelwa District Council to address concerns surrounding revenue collection and expenditure while strengthening accountability and ensuring that financial decisions are made transparently and in accordance with applicable government regulations.

Malawi24 will continue to monitor developments surrounding the implementation of the new financial controls at M’mbelwa District Council.