By Wilson Mulinda
Acting Auditor-General Ron Mwambwa says the 2024 Constituency Development Fund (CDF) audit report has identified weaknesses in expenditure that are undermining the fund’s objective of delivering social and economic benefits to communities across Zambia.
Dr. Mwambwa explained that the report reveals a general non-enforcement of CDF guidelines, resulting in systemic challenges. These include weak budget utilization and poor fund management, which have led to delayed project implementation.
He further observed the misapplication of youth and women empowerment grants, with some beneficiaries diverting funds to unauthorized activities.
The audit also highlighted ineffective management of soft loans, characterized by poor recovery processes and weak enforcement of penalty provisions.
This is according to a statement issued by Ellen Chikale, Head of Public Relations in the Office of the Auditor-General.
