Functional Ward Development Committees crucial - FODEP
By MUKOSELA KASALWE FUNCTIONAL Ward Development Committees Func will be key in the successful delivery of the Seventh National Development Plan whose implementation runs from 2017 to 2021, says FODEP executive director Chimfwembe Mweenge.
Mr Mweenge said the delivery of equitable and inclusive development to all the corners of Zambia would require strengthened and effective Ward Development Committees to anchor development pillars of the Seventh National Development Plan (7NDP).
He said yesterday, that the status quo of the WDCs would not be able to deliver on the development aspirations of the 7NDP given that only a few had been operative.
Mr Mweenge said it was important that all stakeholders were included in the 7NDP for the benefit of communities on the grassroots.
FODEP called on the government to effectively operationalise the 7NDP for a robust action targeted at revamping the formation of WDCs in the Districts where they have not been formed.
“Delivering equitable and inclusive development to all the corners of Zambia will require strengthened and effective WDCs which can anchor development pillars of the 7NDP,” Mr Mweenge said.
The non-governmental organisation, has urged the Minister of Local Government to lift the ban on the formation and orientation of WDCs so that communities could elect representatives and take charge of the implementation of the 7NDP.
Mr Mweenge said for Zambia to attain its development trajectory, the Government and communities needed to work together towards the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals.