Delimitation Will Improve CDF Accessibility, TIZ Says

By Ruth Chayinda

Transparency International- Zambia- TIZ- says the proposed delimitation of some constituencies will enhance efficiency in utilisation of the constituency Development Fund- CDF.

TIZ Advocacy, Policy and Research Manager BRIGHT CHIZONDE says the delimitation of large Constituencies will also ensure that all citizens benefit from the fund.

Mr. CHIZONDE, however, says there is need to strengthen governance issues and build the capacity for local authorities to absorb the CDF resources.

And in a presentation on TIZ’s analysis of the 2023 CDF audit report,  Mr. CHIZONDE said the findings revealed a concerning picture  of limited capacity of local authorities to handle the fund.

He said significant financial irregularities, governance weaknesses and underperformance of constituencies in utilising CDF are prominent in many local authorities.

And TIZ Executive Director MAURICE NYAMBE has recommended that Government halts any further increase in the budgetary allocation to the CDF programme until there is evidence of improved monitoring and institutional capacity.

Mr. NYAMBE further urged local authorities to recover loans obtained under CDF.