More CDF mess in Mzimba
Mzimba district commissioner (DC) Thomas Chirwa has promised to act on increased concerns over mismanagement of Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
A new inquiry by Mzimba District Education Network (Mziden), funded by ActionAid, has revealed that some projects only existed on paper.
It indicates that K6.8 million meant for construction of classroom blocks did not benefit the constrained schools in Mzimba South East.
Construction materials did not reach Kachere Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) as well as Mkunguni, Senga, Kachere and Moyoka primary schools where pupils need decent classrooms.
In Mzimba Solola, K5 million meant for construction materials bankrolled substandard works at Kamwazeka Bridge, Chasato CDSS and Watereka CDSS.
At a meeting, which ended around 7pm on Saturday, Chirwa described the report as “trash” and “lacking complete information.”
“I’m not defending anyone, but I thought they would go on the ground and bring vouchers,” he said.
But the visibly annoyed DC quickly toned down, saying: “My office will carry out own investigations in two weeks’ time.
“If anyone is found guilty will face the law,” he said.
But Mziden chairperson Teckson Amadu wondered why the DC did not seek clarification when he received the report before the meeting.
Amadu said it was up to auditors to demand the vouchers.
Perekezi Ward councillor Andrew Tembo commended the network for highlighting shortfalls of CDF projects, but decried the absence of legislators of the two constituencies.
ActionAid programmes coordinator Wongani Mugaba asked for frequent audits in councils and decentralisation of anti-corruption agencies to prevent misuse of funds.
The tracking of CDF projects is part of a global campaign for improved financing for education to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). n
