Guidance Session for Second Thematic Call Strengthening Local Government Accountability for Development Resources and Development Results By Chandiwira Chisi, Capacity Development Manager 11/15/2018 Mzuzu Hotel, Lilongwe

Presentation Lay Out Stating the problem Key PEA Issues relating to the problem Key drivers and motivations for the observed issues Key Stakeholders in Accountability for Resources in Local Governments Existing similar projects Anticipated change that should come as a result of your interventions and how that change will happen 11/15/2018 Mzuzu Hotel, Lilongwe

Stating the problem Decentralisation policy and Local Government Act require fiscal and political devolution This has meant more autonomy at local council level This has also meant increase in resources that are being managed at local council level District Commissioners were designated as Controlling Officers in 2005 From 2005/6 fiscal year, Central government transfers have increased from K3bn to K34.2bn in 2015/16 budget This is in addition to locally generated revenue and donor/NGO/private sector resources With this has come a challenge on accountability for resources and results at the local level. Elements of abuse, fraud and corruption have been reported through different outlets like media houses. 11/15/2018 Mzuzu Hotel, Lilongwe

Key issues relating to the problem based on a study commissioned by Tilitonse Fund Loss of Locally Generated Revenues through Fraud Abuse of Development Resources Limited Production of Financial Reports and Attention to Audit Reports Politicised Intra- District allocation of Development Resources 11/15/2018 Mzuzu Hotel, Lilongwe

Key drivers and motivations for the observed issues Weak Oversight by External Bodies Inexperienced full Council oversight system Weak capacity of the Finance and Audit Committee to effectively perform financial oversight functions Limited oversight over resources by Local Institutions and citizens 11/15/2018 Mzuzu Hotel, Lilongwe

Stakeholders District Commissioners/Chief Executives Directors of Finance Council Finance and Audit Committees Member of Parliament Civil society organisations Donors Citizens 11/15/2018 Mzuzu Hotel, Lilongwe

Existing Similar Projects Tilitonse Funded Projects Review of Local Government Act Review of the CDF Guidelines Building citizen voice on LDF and CDF Other players i.e. Kalondolondo, MEJN, NDI…… So is this call duplicating? Contradicting? Complementing? Entry point is the supply side of local government at council level!!! 11/15/2018 Mzuzu Hotel, Lilongwe

What change are we looking for in this call? Projects that will reduce financial abuse and mismanagement and enhance Local government service delivery by improving accountability of duty bearers, transparency in allocating resources and carrying out transactions, and citizen participation in issues of locally generated revenues and utilization of Development Funds. The ultimate goal of projects under this theme is to create an alliance of CSOs with other partners that can share knowledge and skills on mechanisms of accountability for locally generated resources and development resources in Malawi, engage with relevant actors, promote national dialogue among actors dealing with matters of local government financial oversight in Malawi, disseminate information, identify opportunities for change and engage with relevant actors who can drive reforms. 11/15/2018 Mzuzu Hotel, Lilongwe

Type of projects Accountability for Development Resources and Development Results Carrying out Public Expenditure Tracking on Local Development Fund, District Development Fund and the recently devolved District Development Budget Provision. Lobbying and advocacy on improvements in allocation and utilization of Development resources in Malawi based on the PET findings Providing Capacity building on Public Expenditure Tracking to local structures such as VDCs, ADCs, civic groups, including council committees. Strengthening Citizen Participation in the implementation of Development Funds and CDF processes Popularize the revised CDF guidelines among the key stakeholders and general public; Build the capacity of local structures such as Village Development Committees (VDCs) and Area Development Committees (ADCs) on CDF based on the new guidelines and how they can effectively take part and influence development related decisions; Support institutionalization and popularization of guidelines for the recently devolved District Development Budget among key stakeholders in Councils, local structures and the general public. Accountability and transparency in the collection and use of locally generated revenues develop and implement a monitoring and accountability mechanism for locally generated revenues in both rural and urban councils involving citizens and other local tax payers such as (market vendors, rest house operators, business operators etc.), and Support the capacity of Council Finance and Audit committees on local resource mobilization, control, and oversight. 11/15/2018 Mzuzu Hotel, Lilongwe

Change will begin with you Change will begin with you!! You are the change you have been waiting for!!! Zikomo Kwambiri!! 11/15/2018 Mzuzu Hotel, Lilongwe