In their sentiments Bwabwali and Mwamphanzi Wards councilors, Gerald Dede and Wyson Bush, say community Journalists in their areas are now deeply engaged in trucking local government projects, a development which is forcing the leaders to be discharging their duties transparently.

“It is very exciting that Community journalists are coming to us, questioning how CDF funds are being used and how projects are being implemented. This is pressurizing us to work extra harder and be accountable.

“They are also actively gathering and disseminating accurate information within the communities, a thing which is promoting active participation among the grassroots," Bush said.

The remarks were made on Friday during an interface meeting between the councilors and community Leaders from Traditional Authority Mulilima and Ndakwera which was orchestrated by the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace. (CCJP).

Speaking on the sidelines of the meeting, one of the CJs who is also Mulilima Area Development Committee Chairperson, Batson Chidyaudzu pledged to follow every public expenditure and hold their leaders accountable.

He also extended a token of appreciation to CCJP for equipping them with key skills in public expenditure trucking and facilitating special interfaces between them and the elected leaders.

“The interface meetings that we are having are helping us to present our concerns and gain insights on local government initiatives.

 We also thank CCJP for equipping us with key skills in following up local government funds”

The engagement and preceding trainings came through CCJPs Project termed ‘Promoting Social Accountability in the management of Local Government projects’ which is being funded by Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA).