NewZ June 2004

ADC Formation in Mambwe Takes More than Five Years

Long before the programme of ADC formation was initiated in1999, Mambwe thought the programme of Area Development Committees (ADC) would be easy since there were already similar structures at Chiefdom level and also Village Action Groups (VAG) in wards which would have acted as Zones. But five years have elapsed without completing the task.

By John A.K. Mwanza , Senior Administrative Officer, Mambwe District Council

Mambwe through funds sourced from DDP in 1999 formed three pilot Area Development Committees (ADCs) in Wards Jumbe Central, Nsefu and Msoro. 

Through funds from DDP under DDF Programme, the ADCs received Orientation training, identified and undertook some project implementation which up to now have not ben completed because of the phasing out of DDP. 

One member of the Council Management and another from the ADC were questioned on the state and future of ADCs.

Acting DPO J.W. Zulu shares the same concern on the long period it has taken to complete the formation of ADCs. Out of 12, only 10 have been formed, two are remaining and all are awaiting training.  Mr. Zulu feels the most significant factor in completing the programme has been the capacity of the Council management to retain the District Planning Unit (DPU). 

Over the 4 years period two DPOs have been employed. Mr. Zulu himself is now Acting DPO. This has hampered capacity to source funds for use on the same programme.  And also time lapsed in justification of funds given by partners mostly because of instability in the office of the DPU. 

ADC’s are needed

Asked whether ADCs were still needed and if they were a priority, Mr. Zulu agreed saying it was not only a metter of having the policy (decentralization) to have structures at grassroot level. He emphasised on the importance of ADCs in that they were synonymous with the decentralisation policy.

A bigger share for ADCs

Asked to comment on the future of the ADCs in terms of source of funds for their operations and projects, Mr. Zulu says this can be best approached in 2 folds:

ADCs should be engaged as revenue agents with Councils and other districts level institutions and giving larger percentages to ADCs because they deal and stay with the community.

Council should consider giving or sharing the revenue generated from the local By-Laws, with the ADCs. 

Chipapa Ward ADC Chairperson, Rhoda Mwanza, was at pain to answer questions regarding to ADC programme and its future. She thinks that after formation and orientation, ADCs will have nowhere to get their funds for operations and project implementation. 

On the current activities of the Chipapa ADC Ms. Mwanza says, it is very difficult to organize a meeting or to bring members together due to lack of orientation and non visitation by DFT members. She feels there is no incentive to motivate the members to come for the meetings.

Dear friends, the most difficult question is, what has been the problem of ADC formation in Mambwe? And what would be the real source of funds for ADCs and therefore in which way are the ADCs going to effectively contribute to decentralized planning and poverty alleviation.