Lilongwe RCDF Projects Prove Doubting Thomases Wrong as Minister Ben Phiri Impressed with Progress

Many District Councils across the country are proving the doubting Thomases who said the Reformed Constituency Development Fund (RCDF) would fail miserably wrong.

Many said RCDF would not materialize, but some districts have already started bearing fruits, and Lilongwe is one shining example.

This was evident on Monday as the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Dr. Ben Malunga Phiri, toured RCDF projects in Lilongwe District.

Contrary to fears that projects would delay, the Minister was impressed to note that projects under the first phase of implementation are not delayed at all, but are progressing well and taking good shape.

The Minister singled out two flagship projects: the Namaguya Multipurpose Hall in Sub Traditional Authority Namaguya and the Mitundu Police Unit which is almost to completion, a project that will bring security services closer to the people of Mitundu and surrounding areas.

The Minister expressed sincere appreciation to the District Commissioner for Lilongwe and the entire Council for their leadership and commitment in translating development plans into tangible results.

He also commended the Constituency Development Committee (CDC) for identifying and prioritizing projects that respond to genuine community needs.

The Minister further commended the Member of Parliament for the area, Hon. Binton Kumtsaira, for his support.

“The successful implementation of community development initiatives requires collaboration among elected representatives, local authorities, communities, and other stakeholders. Your support is important in ensuring that the aspirations of the people of Mitundu are translated into meaningful development,” said Dr. Phiri.

In a special commendation, the Minister hailed the contractor for the Namaguya Multipurpose Hall for demonstrating rare commitment by starting works without waiting for the 20% advance bond that most contractors are waiting upon.

“I encourage you to maintain the good work, uphold the required construction standards, and ensure that the project is completed within the agreed timeframe. We expect quality workmanship, proper use of materials, and value for public money. A project of this nature must be durable and fit for its intended purpose,” he added.

The Minister also acknowledged the contribution of the Malawi Police Service and the local community whose cooperation is essential for the successful implementation and eventual operation of the facility.

Dr. Phiri emphasized that this is the kind of development that the Reformed CDF is intended to support – practical investments that address community priorities and improve the lives of ordinary Malawians.

“I would like to emphasise that the Reformed CDF is not merely about distributing resources to constituencies. It is about ensuring that public funds are used transparently, responsibly, and effectively to deliver development results,” he said.

He reminded all Councils that RCDF is performance-based and Government is committed to funding Councils that are performing, implementing projects according to required standards, and submitting duly prepared and verified certificates.

The Minister urged all District Commissioners, Directors of Public Works, engineers, and other technical officers to ensure proper supervision, accurate documentation, and prompt certification to avoid stalling projects when funds are available.