Malawi MPs impressed with development fund
Some members of Parliament (MPs) in Malawi have said they are impressed with the Local Development Fund (LDF).
LDF is an intergovernmental fiscal transfer mechanism that allows for a harmonised national resource mobilisation, equitable allocation of development resources, effective development implementation capacities and results accountability.
In an interview last week, Nkhata Bay North MP Ephraim Mganda Chiume said using LDF, some houses in his area are now using solar power.
“LDF has made a big impact on the lives of my constituents. I am talking of a constituency where people had no electricity, but if you go there today, you will see most people using solar energy,” he said.
Chiume, who is also Minister of Foreign Affairs, said they have built eight teachers’ houses with funds from LDF.
He said before the end of this year, his area will have a new market and a bus depot, courtesy of LDF.
“We expected the projects to cost K110 million, but with the devaluation of the kwacha, more money will be required,” he said.
Salima South parliamentarian, Uladi Mussa, also said he is impressed with the fund.
Mussa, who is also Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, said they have built six teachers’ houses and school blocks with funds from LDF.
“The importance of LDF cannot be overemphasised because we are now able to build teachers houses and school blocks.
“Had it been that the fund was not there, we would have a lot of problems because Constituency Development Fund (CDF) money is not enough to initiate big projects,” he said.
He said each house cost over K3.5 million whereas the school blocks consumed about K3.8 million.
Ntcheu Central MP, who is also Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Jones Chingola said they have built bridges, school blocks and teachers’ houses using LDF.
“We are now building a clinic at Bawi. We have also built a bridge at Nsipe and my constituents are happy,” he said.
Mulanje South MP, Richie Muheya, agreed with his counterparts that LDF is helping to develop the country.
“In my constituency, we have built 10 teachers’ houses and teachers are motivated,” he said.
