President Peter Mutharika has earned praise for fulfilling his promise on the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), with his administration now rolling out infrastructure projects across Zomba City.
Zomba City Mayor Christopher Jana commended Mutharika for keeping the promise, saying many people had initially viewed it as nothing more than a campaign gimmick.
Jana was speaking in Zomba during the launch of the 2026/27 CDF Infrastructure Projects for Zomba City North and Zomba City South.
He assured residents that the council would ensure there is no substandard work and that every penny allocated to the projects is accounted for.
“We will make Zomba a national model of quality infrastructure again,” said Jana.
Guest of honour, Secretary for Local Government and Rural Development Rev. Moses Chimphepo, described CDF as the most transformative financing window for local development in Malawi’s history.
Chimphepo said CDF does not just build, but also fixes, empowers and sustains communities.
He reminded councils that CDF is now a Performance-Based Grant, with funding linked to measurable performance.
“Councils will be rigorously assessed on the LAPA tool on funds utilisation, financial management, procurement efficiency, quality of infrastructure, project implementation and citizen engagement,” he said.
The ministry has professionalised constituencies through a technical triangle comprising a constituency works supervisor, assistant accountant and assistant procurement officer.
Chimphepo warned contractors that the ministry would not accept substandard buildings, abandoned sites or ghost projects.rojects
