Local Government Minister Ben Phiri calls for integrity in CDF implementation, hails Mutharika

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Dr Ben Phiri has warned officials and contractors handling Reformed Constituency Development Fund (RCDF) projects against corruption and poor workmanship, saying offenders will face prosecution.

Phiri made the call on Thursday, at Kankhomba Primary School in Thyolo District at the launch of RCDF projects for the district where he thanked the President, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, for his development vision across the country.

“My message is simple; lets adhere to quality, make sure we are transparent enough and we do not misuse the funds. We will hunt, we will go project by project to make sure that no misuse of resources is there,” he said.

Mchacha: implementation of RCDF will benefit many areas across the country

He, therefore, clarified that government was working within the planned timeframe saying the old CDF was completely revamped as they are using a new model.

Thyolo District Commissioner Noel Dakamau expressed excitement with the launch noting that they have already started issuing contracts for some projects.

“We are happy today that we have launched the Reformed CDF. We have almost 57 projects, out of these we have issued contracts for 43,” Dakamau said.

Member of Parliament for Bvumbwe Masenjere Constituency Charles Mchacha thanked government for fulfilling its campaign promises, saying implementation of RCDF will benefit many areas across the country.

“In Bvumbwe Masanjere Constituency, some areas had no electricity since the start of democracy but now we have 18 centres. I believe that once we finish such projects in those areas, more people will benefit,” he said.

Government has started disbursing K5 billion to each constituency for various community-proposed development projects.

By Pempho Nkhoma, Thyolo, October 8, Mana

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