DPP MP wants CDF further increased

Mangochi South West legislator Shadric Namalomba (Democratic Progressive Party-DPP) has lobbied for “a substantial increase” in the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) from the current K200 million to address pressing issues in local communities.

Speaking in Parliament yesterday, he said the Ministry of Education frequently cites resource constraints as an obstacle to funding school projects and equipment.

“This has significantly hindered the ministry’s ability to address the numerous concerns raised by MPs,” said Namalomba.

He argued that increasing the CDF would empower constituencies to take the lead in development initiatives.

Said Namalomba: “By decentralising the development budget and directing funds towards the CDF, we can ensure that resources are used more effectively to address local needs.

“With an allocation of K200 million, we have worked wonders in our constituencies. A larger CDF could have a significant impact on local development.”

He also asked the government to consider using primary school infrastructure to run community day secondary schools.

Minister of Education Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima acknowledged the challenges faced by the ministry due to limited resources, but stressed that any decision to raise the CDF is beyond the jurisdiction of her line ministry.

“It’s important to recognise that the Ministry of Education is not the only government department facing resource shortages.” “Competing needs exist in sectors such as health, agriculture, water, and sanitation,” she said.

Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs has increased CDF allocation from K100 million to K200 million in this year’s budget. The devaluation of the kwacha, rising construction costs and the growing demand for development projects in constituencies were cited as factors behind the review.