Ministry of Local Government says it is working tirelessly to make sure that local authorities in the country are equipped for effective and efficient service delivery.
Deputy Minister of Local Government Halima Daud said this on Friday as she handed over a newly constructed classroom block to Nanyangu Primary School in Ntcheu.
She said it was pity to note that the school which is only 3kilometres from the M5 Road is deserted even over two decades after its establishment.
She hailed the people of the community by choosing a rightful development which will see the community change for the better.
“Education is the foundation of an improved life. This school block will inspire the children around to come and spend much of their time in these beautiful classrooms.
“I should, however, urge the councils to follow the procurement guidelines and building standards so that the structures are outstanding,” she said.
She asked the community members and the pupils to take care of the structure.
While commending the Member of Parliament (MP) for the area Nancy Chaola Mdooko for a due project prioritization, she asked the MP to identify more funds so that the institution has enough school blocks for all pupils.
A standard six learner at the school, Gift Chisinga asked Government to continue with the developments at the school which he says has potential future leaders. He was however quick to mention it is a which is funded by.
“This block is a dream come true for us. However, we expect that government and well-wishers come forward and help us with more school blocks, toilets, desks, teachers’ houses and office blocks just like some schools we know are.
“Several times, especially during rainy season, we have been denied chance to learn as we prefer staying home than been socked in the rains,” said Chisinga.
The school was opened in 1997 and it accommodates pupils up to standard seven.
According to the head teacher at the school, Enock Chikaliso, the school has an enrolment of 582 pupils.
According to the District’s Director of Public Works Mwamvani, the construction of the block falls under Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) project. With this fund, the council chose seven projects including two bridges, three school blocks, one health centre staff house and one maternity wing.
GESD Project Coordinator Charles Chunga said the five-year performance based grand is provided to the councils to develop investment projects which supplement the government funding like the District Development Fund.
“There are conditions attached for councils to access this grand. First, the council has to use 100 percent of the resources provided to the it by eligible cost and they should also submit financial statements. Once the council fails these minimum access conditions, they do not proceed to the next stage.
“Then we have 38 perfomance parametres. Here, the council is assessed on a number of factors and get marks accordingly,” he said.
The project coordinator said so far, 26 out of 28 councils passed through all the stages and they are being assessed on the triggers where all the councils that qualify will receive another grant this year.