RDCs should not be corruption platforms
Published On December 18, 2016 » 1932 Views» By Davies M.M Chanda » Features
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The way I see itDO  you know that a valid Rural Development Committee (RDC), if not disturbed by unnecessary political interference, is a blessing to any community?
However, if there is political interference in the operation of RDCs, then there is danger of disrupting the works of such an important committee.
Left to operate freely, RDCs are voices of the people at grassroot level.
The argument still stands that RDCs should not deprive communities of the desired socio-economic development as they are simply the link between local authorities and the communities.
There importance is hinged on the fact that they act as chief drivers of sustainable socio-economic development at grass root levels in wards.
Little wonder the RDC leadership, by virtue of their positions, are always advised not to go to sleep since they provide the core element in governance.
This is so because the failure of RDC activities over the years has marred Government’s well-intended vision to uplift the welfare of society.
Many a time councillors have been found wanting in running such committees which is partially to do with their failure to coordinate with other partners or understand the importance of RDCs.
This has led to community members, for instance, travelling long distances to access things like basic health care services.
By virtue of their existence, some previous RDC members who wield power over RDCs are now abusing national resources to enrich themselves.
Political theorist and philosopher Edmund Burke once said only men and women who have the moral fibre should be allowed to guide others.
Thus, activities of the RDCs should not be associated with failure but should strive to meet the expectations of communities they claim to represent.
Otherwise the dream of such committees bearing the desired fruits of delivering on its intended purpose grossly remains a fleeting dream.
I say this because the previous RDCs before being dissolved proved a vehicle for some councillors and committee members to plunder public monies through Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
You do not need to look afar when you consider that some wards in various constituencies have not witnessed any form of development despite CDF being released.
This, too, indicts the law enforcers in whatever skin they exist.
Again, this demonstrates that something has always being tragically wrong in as far as how RDCs have conducted their business at the heels of political infiltration.
Those elected to the committee should be scrutinised to ensure fair play because it is common knowledge that the majority of them usually carry with them an extra agenda to amass public resources.
It is sad to note that committees are constituted by a few members who keep the people they are supposed to represent away from RDC’s operations.
RDC members have now earned themselves a shameful name of being long fingered since they regularly dip their hands in the coffers.
When they try to be transparent, RDCs employ clannish politics by employing friends as some committee members.
These also quickly join the thieving clique of older members in plundering coffers meant for community development.
Law enforcement agents should also take keen interest when reports of embezzlement of CDF surface to set pace in the fight against corruption.
After all, President Edgar Lungu squarely continues to support the motion of strangling the corruption in all walks of life.
The only hope is for relevant authorities and a vigilant community to raise the red flag each time public resources are diverted to enrich selfish leadership who always are thirsty for misappropriating what is meant to uplift the welfare of poor members of society.

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