Include citizens’ voices in development plans-CSPR

Mary Kachepa-The Civil Society for Poverty Reduction -CSPR- says including citizens’ voices in national development plans is the most effective approach to attain poverty reduction.

CSPR Board Chairperson AUSTIN KAYANDA says this is because people will own the plan and support its implementation.

Mr. KAYANDA says citizens are a part of the solution to poverty reduction through participation in the National Development process.

He says Civil Society Organisations have over the years developed programmes for monitoring and evaluation of National Development plans which has strengthened Citizen Accountability and enhanced public service provision.

Mr. KAYANDA however says despite the milestones, poverty levels have remained high in the country.

He said this in Lusaka today during presentation of the Civil Society and Citizen Perspective of the 8th National Development Plan -shadow plan to the Ministry of Finance and National planning.

This was in a speech read on his behalf by CSPR Acting Executive Director CHRISTABEL NGOMA

Mr. KAYANDA said the shadow plan is a key rallying point for all Zambians as it informs the government on the kind of development priorities citizens want to be included in the final plan.

He said CPSR has managed to draft a Civil Society Perspective on the Eighth National Development Plan, through continuous contributions made by various Lead organizations.

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