Tension over constituency funds
Tension mounted in Nkhotakota North Constituency on Wednesday after village heads, councillors and the area’s member of Parliament (MP) Frank Mphande disagreed on the use of Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
While village heads and councillors emphasised that they wanted transparency and accountability on how CDF was used in their area, Mphande said the MP has full authority over the funds.
The debate arose during Kanyenda Area Development Committee (ADC) meeting where group village head Kanyenda asked the MP to explain how the CDF works. The chief said he had noted that the MP embarked on some development projects without involving communities and local governance structures.
Kanyenda mentioned construction of a schoolblock at Dwangwa Junior Primary School and Nkhunga Health Centre without his knowledge.
Said the chief: “The MP should know, however, that the motive behind the development projects is very good, but please let us work together in developing our area.”
In response, Mphande highlighted people’s ignorance on the intention and ownership of CDF.
He said: “I am CDF account’s financier. I am the one to decide the development project to benefit from the money at hand.”
Councillor for Liwaladzi Ward, Manfred Kwanjiwa, said it was unfortunate that the legislator thought he had overall control of the funds. He said all funds, including CDF, belong to the people because it is taxpayers money. He urged the MP to focus on decentralisation.
In a separate interview, Nkhotakota District Council director of planning and development Griffin Mhango said government recognises local government structures and they are empowered to take part in any development activity in their area.
He said: “In fact, communities are also entitled to propose or request and supervise development activities through local government structures such as ADC.”n
