The Alliance for Accountability Advocates Zambia (AAAZ) has urged the Government to immediately undertake a nationwide audit of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), warning that continued inefficiencies could derail the objectives of the 8th National Development Plan (2022–2026).
In a statement issued to Brave Heart News, Ms. Melbourne Mushitu, the organisation's communication offocer, said large amounts of CDF allocations from 2023, 2024 and 2025 remain unutilised in several constituencies and councils due to administrative delays, weak oversight, and limited implementation capacity.
The organisation noted that despite government’s expanded CDF allocations aimed at boosting decentralisation and community empowerment, project execution has been slow, with some local authorities failing to utilize funds meant for infrastructure development, youth and women empowerment, and essential community services.
AAAZ warned that failure to address these gaps undermines public trust and weakens the impact of the CDF, especially as Zambia approaches the end of the 8NDP cycle.
The organisation has appealed to the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development to commission an independent and transparent audit, with findings made public and used to guide corrective measures as the country prepares the 9th National Development Plan (2027–2031).
AAAZ further encouraged citizens and civil society groups to take a more active role in monitoring CDF processes, saying stronger community participation is key to ensuring development interventions reflect local needs and deliver meaningful results.
[Brave Heart News | UnlockingMinds]
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