Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Ben Phiri, MP, has clarified that the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) is a Government of Malawi resource envelope that will be owned and implemented by controlling officers in collaboration with local communities.
Phiri made the remarks during an engagement meeting with the Ntchisi District Council, amid growing disagreements between Members of Parliament and controlling officers over the ownership and management of the fund.
He said the decision by President Professor Arthur Peter Muthalika a to decentralize development resources was deliberate and aimed at ensuring that local development is planned and implemented by the people at the grassroots level.
“The President, in his wisdom, decided that local resources and development should be used at the local level by the people themselves,” said Phiri.
The minister urged the council to change its mindset on development and work closely with government to transform the district.
Phiri also revealed that the submission of CDF implementation plans will begin this January.
He issued a strong warning against corruption, stressing that the ministry will not tolerate any malpractice in the management of public resources.
“I will not defend corrupt officers. If you are found corrupt, you will be fired there and then,” he said.
Phiri concluded by emphasizing that it is time for Ntchisi District to focus on performance-driven development, calling on all stakeholders to play their part.
