Chitipa district commissioner (DC) Charles Mhone has expressed optimism that the district will register significant development under the Reformed Constituency Development Fund (CDF) pegged at K5 billion per constituency.
The district has five constituencies, translating to K25 billion annually.
Last week, Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development released CDF guidelines to help councils implement the funds prudently.
To ensure efficient utilisation of the fund, Mhone assured stakeholders and partners of the council’s transparency in the implementation of the CDF.
He was speaking on Saturday during a stakeholder consultative meeting on the reformed CDF.
Said Mhone: “I promise that we will improve our performance and in this drive, we need commitment from all stakeholders.
“The council is committed to delivering high-impact flagship projects and ensuring that all CDF-funded initiatives are fully disclosed and implemented effectively to meet people’s needs.”
In his presentation,
Chitipa District Civil Society Organisations Network Patrick Ziba called for unity and coordination among stakeholders in implementing CDF projects.
“This is the time to work together. We have to leave aside our political differences and work for the betterment of the people of Chitipa,” he said.
On his part, Chitipa Chendo legislator Moses Mlenga (UTM Party) commended President Peter Mutharika for increasing CDF from K220 million to K5 billion.
“The President has taken a bold decision in decentralising development funds to local authorities. This will empower councils to implement many projects, thereby developing the country,” he said.
Senior Chief Kameme also expressed satisfaction with the initiative, saying the K5 billion allocation per constituency demonstrates government’s commitment to development.
“We now see our area registering significant development in five years. When implemented transparently, the fund has the potential to transform people’s livelihoods through many projects,” he said.
The meeting provided a platform for stakeholders to align the reformed CDF guidelines with the district’s development plans to improve project implementation
