By Linda Kwanjana
Minister of Local Government Richard Chimwendo Banda has hailed President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera for his decision to increase Constituency Development Fund (CDF) from K29 Million to K100 Million.
Addressing a rally at Kanyenje Primary School in Dowa East constituency, Chimwendo Banda popularly known as “Bulldozzer” said his area has experienced tangible developments with the money received.
He gave an example of six school blocks which have been handed over to the community for use.
Not only that, the Minister cited other development projects like health and national security.
“I think for a long time, the name CDF has not been welcomed in the country. It was associated with abuse, associated with selfishness, associated with corruption, but things are changing. I’m not saying that we don’t have issues anymore. But if you go out there you’ll find that CDF has made tremendous contributions in development,” said Chimwendo Banda.
Chimwendo Banda said CDF is bearing fruits because of a new set of guidelines which have been strengthened to avoid abuse of the money.
“We have improved our monitoring we have challenged ourselves to be audited each and every time. But at the same time there is more transparency and accountability with the use of CDF that has really helped.
“Government is working to tighten one or two issues, but as a Minister for Local Government, I can assure you that the CDF is able now to address critical matters under the leadership of President Dr Lazarus Chakwera,” he said.
He added: “The mere fact that His Excellency the President has increased the CDF from 29 million to 100 million. Now at least Members of Parliament, counselors and government committees are able to take bigger projects other than smaller ones. That’s why we are able to see the impact. It’s our hope that our CDF grows, accountability and transparency also grow. We are not going to sit down but to continuously monitor the usage of public resources to strengthen accountability and transparency so that things are done in the right manner,” he said.
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