Dedza CCJP Diocesan Secretary, Lawrence Puliti claims funds from the national budget and public revenue collection continue to be prone to abuses due to lack of capacity on budget tracking at local levels.

Puliti says together with HIVOS, he is hopeful the introduction of the Voices and Actions Accountability project in selected districts including Ntcheu will enhance transparency and accountability on public funds usage.

"Issues of financial mismanagement remains a challenge in our local councils due to a lack of capacity from local structures on how to track public funds hence giving room to corruption among duty bearers thereby hampering development," said Puliti.

Ntcheu District Council Chairperson, Councilor Jumbe Mambo believes empowering local structures is key in address issues of financial mismanagement in local councils.

"Local structures like Area Development Committee (ADC) are at the center of fostering projects at the local level but their efforts are usually undermined.

With financial support from European Union, the project is also being implemented in other districts of Mangochi, Blantyre, Mzimba, Mzuzu, Zomba, and Dowa respectively.