Suleman Chitera 
By Suleman Chitera
LILONGWE, Malawi – Minister of Local Government Ben Phiri has defended the government’s implementation of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), insisting that the programme is progressing according to plan despite criticism from some Members of Parliament over delays.
Speaking in Parliament, Phiri said the new CDF implementation model is designed to improve transparency, accountability and the quality of development projects in constituencies across the country.
He acknowledged concerns that the programme was moving slowly but argued that patience was necessary because meaningful development requires proper planning.
“A woman who becomes pregnant does not give birth in the same month,” Phiri told lawmakers. “This programme has not failed. It is progressing well, and we will see the results after the full nine months.”
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The minister disclosed that the government has already released K15 billion under the CDF loan facility, with beneficiaries in several constituencies having already started accessing the funds.
According to Phiri, this year’s CDF implementation differs significantly from previous arrangements. Rather than disbursing funds before projects are identified, local councils are now required to submit detailed lists of proposed development projects together with the contractors expected to carry out the works before funding is approved.
He said the new approach is intended to strengthen financial management and ensure public resources are spent on projects that directly benefit local communities.
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Phiri further argued that effective management of the Constituency Development Fund has the potential to transform rural communities by creating opportunities closer to where people live.
He said improved infrastructure and economic activities in villages would reduce the need for people to migrate to urban centres in search of employment and better services.
“When we talk about becoming like Singapore, this is what we mean,” the minister said, emphasizing that sustained investment in local development is key to national economic transformation.
The management and implementation of the CDF has emerged as one of the major issues under discussion in Parliament, with several lawmakers questioning the pace of project implementation and the release of funds.
Some MPs have expressed concern that delays could slow development projects in their constituencies, while the government maintains that the revised system is necessary to improve accountability and prevent misuse of public resources.
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The Constituency Development Fund remains one of the government’s flagship programmes aimed at financing community-based infrastructure and development initiatives in all constituencies across Malawi. The latest parliamentary debate highlights the continuing scrutiny of how the fund is managed as communities await the rollout of projects expected to improve livelihoods and expand economic opportunities.
