Eastern Province Deputy Permanent Secretary, Lewis Mwape, says citizen participation in formulation policies is important for national development.
Speaking when he officially opened a Consultative meeting on the review of the 2014 National Planning and Budgeting Policy in Chipata on Tuesday, Dr. Mwape called for a shared commitment towards strengthening the national planning and budgeting framework.
He said without Policy, participation of the people in development becomes very difficult.
“Emphasis should be put on citizen participation in the budget formulation process to increase the input of the people on matters that affect them,” said Dr. Mwape.
Dr. Mwape has urged the public to critically analyze the economic, environmental, political and social landscape stating that this will enhance the revised policy and ensure that it responds to the current, emerging and future development needs for the country.
This is contained in a statement issued to RCV News by Eastern Province Principal Public Relations Officer, Tobias Phiri.
By Margaret Mwanza
