Minister of Local Government, Dr Ben Malunga Phiri, on Tuesday assured Malawians of government’s sustained commitment in implementing the Reformed Constituency Development Fund which has been pegged at K5 Billion per each of the country’s 229 constituencies in all the 36 local councils.
Presenting a ministerial statement on the opening day of the third meeting in the 52nd session of Parliament, Phiri reiterated that the new CDF format remains one of the pillars of development for President Arthur Peter Mutharika’s administration.
“At the outset, allow me to reaffirm government’s unwavering commitment to decentralization, accountable governance, and inclusive socio-economic development. The Reformed CDF (RCDF) is one of the flagship initiatives of the Government aimed at accelerating service delivery and ensuring that development reaches every constituency in a transparent, equitable, and sustainable manner,” he said.
The minister took time to outline some key outcomes that have already been realized in readying the entire local government system to respond to the new changes in a manner that facilitates smooth implementation.
These include development and dissemination of new guidelines that will be used by all implementing units in all councils and opening of RCDF bank accounts to facilitate implementation of projects with support from Accountant General Department.
In addition, Phiri noted that his ministry has ventured in a massive capacity building exercise across all councils by hiring 687 personnel comprising Assistant Accountants, Works Supervisors, and Assistant Procurement Officers. The ministry is also in the process of hiring 36 internal auditors to strengthen internal control systems across local authorities.
On strengthening the governance infrastructure of the program, the minister told Parliament that they have constituted Constituency Development Committees in all constituencies, these being critical bodies for prioritisation of key projects at constituency level.
He also expressed optimism of the progress undertaken so far noting that some local councils have already started procurement of contractors and awards in readiness for commencement of works.
The new CDF format has also been designed to champion inclusivity with student bursaries and loans to women and youth as an integral priority list.
The minister’s statement, entitled ‘Actualising APM’s Dream of One Malawi Through Equal and Evenly Distribution of Public Resources: A Case of Reformed CDF and Its Preparedness’ comes to quell rumours by opposition parties who are peddling negativity on the commencement of the program only a week into the time set by government.
He has since called upon all Members of Parliament and key stakeholders to support President Mutharika’s efforts of developing Malawi through strong local government mechanisms.
“I therefore wish to assure this August House and the people of Malawi that Government remains fully committed to ensuring the successful implementation of the Reformed CDF. Together, we can transform our constituencies, strengthen local governance, create employment opportunities, improve service delivery, and accelerate Malawi’s socio-economic development,” he said.
