Transparency urged as government pushes reformed CDF to address rural infrastructure gaps
Presidential Parliamentary Advisor Reverend Christopher Mzomera Ngwira has called on local councils across the country to uphold the highest levels of transparency and accountability in the management of the reformed Constituency Development Fund (CDF), describing the initiative as a critical tool for addressing longstanding rural infrastructure challenges.
Ngwira made the remarks on Tuesday during a strategic stakeholder engagement meeting organized by Mmbelwa District Council, where government officials, council authorities, political leaders, and community representatives gathered to evaluate and prioritize community-identified infrastructure projects earmarked for funding under the new CDF framework.
The Presidential Advisor emphasized that the expanded CDF programme presents a significant opportunity to transform rural communities through improved public infrastructure.
However, he warned that the success of the initiative will largely depend on prudent financial management and strict oversight.
“We must ensure that every tambala allocated under the Constituency Development Fund reaches the intended communities and delivers meaningful development. These funds are not for personal benefit, but for transforming the lives of ordinary Malawians who continue to face serious infrastructure challenges,” said Ngwira.
He further challenged councils to strengthen accountability systems and prevent all forms of financial abuse, stressing that public confidence in the programme can only be sustained through transparency and responsible use of resources.
Ngwira, who was accompanied by Nkhatabay Central legislator Vuwa Kaunda, said the government remains committed to ensuring that development reaches grassroots communities through projects that directly respond to local needs, including roads, schools, health facilities, water systems, and market infrastructure.
During the engagement session, stakeholders reviewed several proposed projects from various constituencies within Mmbelwa District, with participants emphasizing the need for developments capable of delivering long-term social and economic benefits.
Mzimba South West legislator and former Vice President Khumbo Kachali commended the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration for increasing CDF allocations, describing the move as a significant step toward accelerating rural development.
Kachali noted that the 13 constituencies in Mzimba District are expected to collectively inject about K65 billion into the district through the CDF programme, a development he said has the potential to significantly improve infrastructure and public service delivery.
“This is a major opportunity for Mzimba and the country as a whole. If properly managed, these funds can transform our communities by improving infrastructure and creating better living conditions for people in rural areas,” said Kachali.
He further urged all stakeholders, including community members, to actively monitor project implementation to ensure value for money and quality service delivery.
Meanwhile, Mmbelwa District Commissioner Emmanuel Bulukutu expressed confidence that the newly introduced electronic procurement system will help curb corruption and enhance transparency in the management of development funds.
Bulukutu explained that the digital platform has been designed to strengthen accountability by allowing citizens to access information on procurement processes, project implementation, and expenditure under the CDF programme.
“The electronic procurement system will reduce opportunities for manipulation and financial misconduct because the process is now more open and traceable. Members of the public will be able to monitor projects and access important information, which promotes transparency,” he said.
The stakeholder engagement forms part of ongoing nationwide efforts by the government to strengthen implementation mechanisms under the reformed CDF programme, which has been expanded to support large-scale community development initiatives aimed at narrowing infrastructure gaps in underserved rural areas.
