Step up efforts of prioritizing accountability – civil society called upon

Sweden Head of Development Corporation David Wiking has called on Civil Society Organizations to step up their efforts in ensuring accountability is top priority.

Speaking during the launch of the strengthened accountability project in Solwezi this afternoon, Mr. Wiking notes that all relevant stakeholders must keep the commitment and ensure implementation gets the attention it deserves.

He says it is clear that many communities are not able to speak out on the challenges that they are facing despite having mining companies operating in their communities.

Mr. Wiking has also stressed the need for mining companies to give back to communities in a much more better way.

And speaking at the same function Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) Executive Director MacDonald Chipenzi has urged Zambians to pay attention to promises that some institutions promise to communities only when they want to be accommodated.

Mr. Chipenzi has since expressed hope that the initiative will improve the living standards of the people in Northwestern Province especially in Solwezi and Chavuma districts.

And Diakonia Country Director Sombo Chunda is confident that the project will bring about change and accountability in the community.

Mrs Chunda says Diakonia is also looking at possibilities on how the media can be used as agents of change in the project.

Reporting by Nancy Chenga