Council chairpersons handed September deadline to submit development visions or face government pressure

District council chairpersons, who are winding up their current one-year term in December, have been given until the end of September to submit their own visions setting out development plans for their respective councils.

The ultimatum was issued by Secretary for Local Government and Rural Development, Moses Chimphepo, at the opening of a two-day council chairpersons and district commissioners symposium, held alongside the 6th Malawi Local Government Association Managers Network (MAGNET) annual conference in Salima.

The same deadline applies to municipal and city mayors, who have just completed one year of their two-and-a-half-year term.

Chimphepo revealed that the ministry has already received and reviewed visions from the mayors of Mzuzu and Blantyre City councils – putting pressure on the remaining 26 councils, including other city and municipal mayors, to fall in line.

“We want a vision from each council chairperson, clearly articulating development plans for their councils. Please, write and submit,” Chimphepo said – a directive that signals a demanding task ahead for chairpersons often seen as largely ceremonial political figureheads.

Chimphepo used the platform to challenge perceptions of the role, insisting a council chairperson’s duty should extend well beyond seeking personal satisfaction or negotiating councillor benefits such as improved honoraria, allowances, loans and mobility.

The secretary also directed chairpersons to ensure their visions align with national development blueprints, particularly the Malawi 2063 Vision, describing local leaders as key players in translating the country’s long-term agenda into tangible, localised plans.

“I urge the chairpersons to read the MW 2063 and blend in their own visions and how they want their districts to look like in terms of infrastructure, roads, water, health, education and transport, among other crucial areas,” he said.