The newly appointed District Commissioner for Salima District Council, James Mwenda, has committed to championing development activities in the district.
Speaking during a media briefing on Wednesday, Mwenda said there are uncompleted projects under implementation in the district and finalising such projects would be his priority before commencing new ones.
He cited Mnema Maternity Clinic, Pemba Classroom Blocks, Salima Community ground and Kambwiri Police Unit as some of the projects that will be prioritised until their completion.
“Development is key and championing development projects will improve services that we offer to the public as a council in different areas,” he said.
The DC further said turning the district into a secondary city, as already outlined at Chipoka, and boosting tourism by encouraging investors in the sector will be his goals.
He stated that his vision would be to ensure he serves the people of Salima with diligence, accountability and transparency by timely disseminating information to the public to avoid speculations.
“Having worked in administration under local government for 21 years has given me vast knowledge on how to ably deliver in my duties in the local authorities.
“I am experienced in the daily business of councils, therefore, I am positive. We will not fail,” he assured, adding that proper coordination among the sectors will be at the core of his duties as everyone has a role to play for the success of the council.
“District councils are awarded based on their performance and Salima emerged second in the Local Authority Performance Assessment (LAPA), therefore, I am fully aware that the district is a performing one, and I am challenged to continue with the momentum,” he said.
Chairperson for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Salima, Paul Duncan, said they expect the DC to accommodate constructive criticism and value all individual NGO’s contribution to the district regardless of the status.
“As the controlling officer, the CSOs anticipate the district commissioner to promote responsiveness, transparency and accountability at all levels. We also expect the DC to facilitate the implementation of reform areas,” said Duncan.
“We again expect the DC to be available when need arises, not always delegating. We are co-workers,” he added.
Mwenda was appointed District Commissioner for Salima after the former DC retired, he hails from Malengachanzi Village in Nkhotakota District.
By Fostina Mkandawire and Lemison Chinkhota
