The Organisation's Programme policy manager Mathias Kafunda said this in Salima at a meeting with officials from selected district Councils on Public Finance Management Policy and Practice in district Councils saying there is still laxity in some councils and this has a negative impact on development.

"Controlling officers at council level are very important because they are the ones who work with the communities, and it is imperative that they are implored to ensure they work according to the set rules on Public Finance Management systems," Kafunda said.

It is for this reason through a project they are implementing together with LUANAR and ECAMA with support from European Union in some selected districts brought together on Thursday council officials to discuss the Public Finance management Systems for improved service delivery.

Meanwhile, District Commissioner for Phalombe Rodrick Mateawuma is hopeful things will change for better with the recruitment finance and procurement officers in councils saying this was a major impediment.

"We had capacity challenges in the councils, most of the officers who were managing our finances were on acting bases, and not competent and now there is a bit of sanity because there are professionals in the councils," said Mate Awuma.

Over the years there have been growing concerns over Councils failure to adhere to Public Finance Management systems leading to audit queries raising suspicion of foul play.