Stringent audit requirements coming for CDF
By Rosemary Kamanga
Local Government and Rural Development Minister Gary Nkombo has announced the implementation of a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption in the administration of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
Mr. Nkombo says the initiative is crucial because corruption poses the greatest threat to the success of the CDF.
He added that the government has introduced stringent audit requirements and independent oversight mechanisms to ensure adherence to financial and operational standards.
Mr. Nkombo made these remarks in a speech read on his behalf by the Ministry of Local Government Permanent Secretary, Nicholas Phiri, during the official opening of a capacity-building workshop for journalists and reporters in Lusaka.
The workshop was conducted by the Continental Leadership Research Institute (CLRI), with support from the U.S. Embassy in Zambia, to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance in the administration of CDF funds.
Meanwhile, U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Officer Phil Dimon emphasized that transparency, accountability, and political will are essential in fighting corruption.
Mr. Dimon noted that the U.S. government has trained over 5,000 Zambian officials in anti-corruption and governance initiatives, aiming to build trust in public institutions and reinforce transparency.
Additionally, CLRI Executive Director Mundia Hakoola acknowledged the critical role of journalists in holding institutions accountable and ensuring that CDF funds are used to uplift marginalized communities.
