Kasungu Municipality legislator Noel Mkubwi (independent) has cautioned constituency development committee (CDC) members against allowing political interests to influence the management of the reformed K5 billion Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
He said this on Wednesday in Kasungu after the committee was constituted in line with the newly-developed CDF guidelines.
“This committee must rise above partisan temptations and serve as a neutral development coordination hub. Any attempt to politicise the committee’s work will be a betrayal of the very communities we are mandated to uplift,” said Mkubwi.
The lawmaker described the formation of the committee as the beginning of the implementation of development projects citizens have been looking for.
Mkubwi commended the election of retired civil servant and professional accountant Shinah Chikane as the committee’s chairperson, describing her victory as a reflection of growing gender inclusivity.
Kasungu Municipality Mayor Hastings Nyirongo echoed the call for discipline and focus, warning that political divisions within the committee could undermine its mandate.
“We expect this committee to be a catalyst for transformation, not a battleground for political contestation,” he said.
Kasungu Municipality chief executive officer Wanyapakucha McPhine Mzumara said the revised CDF guidelines provide a comprehensive framework for managing, disbursing and accounting for funds.
In her acceptance remarks, Chikane called for unity and collective responsibility among members, saying that collaboration will be key to delivering meaningful and sustainable development outcomes.
Government increased CDF from K200 million to K5 billion per constituency effective the 2026/27 financial year.
