During a media briefing on the progress of the Game-Changer Initiative by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, it was revealed that most of the district councils have a challenge of unqualified staff so the ministry has compiled data on staff recruitment and promotions.

The above was revealed by the Ministry of Local Government, Ben Phiri, who outlined that 28 district councils have already signed letters seeking authority to fill vacant positions which were submitted to the district human resource management department.

While the positions are set to be filled by February 2020, the ministry is updating data before it is submitted to Local Government Service Commission. “The ministry will continue to mentor and coach more staff in the councils in more other thematic areas to enhance the transfer of knowledge and skills,” he said.

He also took advantage of the briefing to warn council officials engaged in malpractices that the long arm of the law would not spare anyone found indulging in mismanagement of government or donor funds.