As the implementation of the Reformed Constituency Development Fund (RCDF) begins this month, councillors are calling for customised training to enable them to effectively carry out their oversight role.
The 2026/27 financial year commenced on April 1, and The Nation has established that some councils have already submitted their development plans to the central government on how they intend to utilise the K5 billion allocations per constituency.
For example, Ntchisi District Council chairperson Maloto Chikombero, who is also vice-president of the Malawi Local Government Association (Malga), said they are ready but complained of “limited training”.
“There is a need for councillors, members of Parliament [MPs] and ADCs [area development committees] to have adequate training,” he said.
The district has five constituencies, meaning it will receive K25 billion from the national RCDF fund.
Similarly, Mzimba District Council chairperson Joel Nkhata welcomed the RCDF, saying priorities include improving infrastructure, but emphasised the need for training and better conditions of service.
“Currently, we do not know which roles belong to councillors, which to VDCs [village development committees], which to ADCs and which to MPs,” he said.
Mzimba, which has 13 constituencies, is entitled to K65 billion.
Chitipa District Council chairperson Given Kitha, whose district also has five constituencies, said they underwent only a one-day training, which he described as insufficient, adding that more training and clearer guidelines are needed.
Meanwhile, Chiradzulu District Council chairperson Alick Nambiyo has said although they are ready, they require more training to effectively fulfill their oversight role.
“We received orientation, but we need more training to effectively play the oversight role, bearing in mind that the CDF involves huge sums of money.
“We may even need to learn from other countries. Otherwise, we are ready to prudently manage the resources,” said Nambiyo.
Nsanje District Council chairperson Omar Charles also said they were inadequately trained to manage the CDF but are prepared to take up the task.
Malga executive director Hardrod Mkandawire said in an interview yesterday that the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development is currently conducting a general orientation for councillors across the country.
However, he agreed that to enhance effectiveness, there is a need for customised capacity-building interventions targeting both councillors and technocrats.
“Considering that council business is conducted through service committees, strengthening these committees to strategically position them to provide meaningful oversight is critical.
“Where oversight is weak, accountability suffers,” said Mkandawire.
Ministry of Local Government and Urban Development spokesperson Chimwemwe Njoloma said that if councillors require specific training on the CDF management, they should formally write to the ministry.
She said: “As we speak, the ministry is training councillors, council staff and other stakeholders.
“Since they are specifically requesting training on the CDF, the request has been received, but we would appreciate it if councillors put it in writing and submit it to the ministry.”
Last month, Parliamentary Committee on Local Authorities and Rural Development chairperson Edward Chileka Banda warned that the increase in the CDF from K220 million to K5 billion per constituency poses risks, including capacity challenges in local councils, delays in funding and low absorption rates.
However, he said the committee is engaging relevant authorities on the matter.
In the 2025 General Election, the Democratic Progressive Party, led by President Peter Mutharika, promised to raise the CDF from K220 million to K5 billion per constituency to enhance development.
