By Shaffie A Mtambo
Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change Owen Chomanika has issued a stern warning to non-state actors in the environmental sector, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in the use of funding for environmental sustainability projects.
Chomanika’s remarks come amidst concerns that billions of kwachas pumped into environmental conservation efforts each year have not yielded the desired impact, with environmental degradation continuing to worsen.
The minister’s warning is clear non-state actors must demonstrate tangible results from the funding they receive, or risk facing the consequences.
“We will start visiting councils where you signed agreements if we see that there is nothing on the ground, we will get rid of you,” Chomanika stated.
This call for accountability is echoed by Charles Mkoka, executive director of the Coordination Union for the Rehabilitation of the Environment, who emphasizes that transparency in the use of donor funds is crucial for complementing government efforts in national development.
As Malawi strives to balance economic development with environmental sustainability, the need for accountability and transparency in funding allocations has become increasingly pressing.
