Fix CDF Now!

Hon Christopher Shakafuswa

CSPR demand urgent reforms to improve fund management, accountability and transparency.

By Francis Maingaila ♥️

Lusaka, Zambia24 – (April 1, 2025) - The Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) has urged greater transparency and accountability in managing the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), citing delays in disbursement and limited community involvement as key concerns.

At a roundtable dialogue and advocacy meeting at Radisson Blu, attended by senior government officials, parliamentarians, civil society representatives, and community leaders, Emmanuel Zulu, Economic Governance Lead at CSPR, presented findings from a study on participatory budget tracking and service monitoring.

The research examined how CDF allocations impact service delivery, particularly in marginalized communities.

Reading on behalf of Board Chairperson Partner Sianutaba, Zulu acknowledged the government's decentralization efforts through CDF but pointed out persistent challenges in budget oversight and service provision.

“The CDF is vital for meeting essential needs in education, health, and social protection. However, financial accountability gaps and limited community participation undermine its effectiveness,” he said.

Discussions focused on addressing these issues by strengthening oversight mechanisms and encouraging active public engagement in the CDF process.

CSPR also analyzed the 2023 Auditor General’s Report on CDF usage, which highlighted inefficiencies in fund allocation and project execution.

Zulu called on stakeholders to prioritize transparency and develop actionable strategies for better CDF management.

“If properly managed, the CDF has the potential to drive inclusive development at the local level,” he emphasized.

He underscored the urgency of reforms to ensure funds reach intended beneficiaries efficiently and fairly.

Mandevu PF Member of Parliament Christopher Shakafuswa attributed the difficulties in CDF implementation to a lack of awareness, low community participation, and unequal fund distribution.

As Chairperson of the Local Government Accounts Committee, Shakafuswa expressed concern over the effectiveness of the CDF in his constituency and beyond.

He identified three major hurdles, including insufficient public awareness, limited citizen engagement, and disparities in resource distribution.

One pressing issue, according to Shakafuswa, is the public's lack of awareness about CDF-funded community projects.

Despite guidelines emphasizing grassroots involvement, many residents remain uninformed about ongoing initiatives.

“We’ve learned that a significant portion of the community is unaware of these projects,” he noted.

“Yet, project identification is supposed to be a community-led process, not restricted to area representatives or council officials.”

He attributed this to inadequate sensitization efforts, recalling a recent community meeting in Mandevu attended by fewer than 30 people.

“When participation is this low, decisions are left to a small group that may not fully represent the wider community’s interests,” he observed.

Shakafuswa also criticized the political influence over CDF applications, particularly for empowerment programs.

He alleged that political figures across parties manipulate the application process for personal advantage rather than genuine community benefit.

“Government funds should serve development, not political interests,” he asserted.

“We must ensure that these resources are directed toward business growth and job creation.”

Highlighting the revolving fund system intended to support business expansion, Shakafuswa lamented its underutilization.

“When beneficiaries repay loans, the fund grows, allowing more people access. Mismanagement, however, stunts this cycle of economic empowerment,” he said.

Another challenge he raised was the uneven distribution of resources.

Citing Mandevu’s educational bursary program, he revealed that out of over 2,000 applicants, only 784 students received funding due to budget constraints. “Resource allocation is imbalanced across constituencies,” he pointed out.

“Some areas receive disproportionate funding while others are left underserved.” He stressed the need for equitable distribution, particularly for impoverished communities.

“If the CDF is to truly improve livelihoods, its funds must be shared fairly,” he argued.

Geographical challenges further hinder the CDF’s impact, particularly in underdeveloped areas.

In places like Mandevu, the lack of essential infrastructure, such as trade schools, restricts access to educational and skills development opportunities.

“Without proper infrastructure, the CDF’s benefits remain out of reach for many,” Shakafuswa said.

“We need to prioritize building facilities in underserved areas.”

He concluded by urging greater public participation, improved awareness campaigns, and a more balanced allocation of resources.

“For the CDF to fulfill its purpose, it must be accessible to all,” he stressed.

“This requires active citizen engagement, fair resource distribution, and addressing infrastructure shortcomings.”

As the government continues to expand CDF funding, calls for greater accountability and transparency in its administration are growing louder.

And Eliot Kamondo, UPND Member of Parliament for Mufumbwe, voiced similar concerns about CDF management in his constituency.

While acknowledging significant progress, he also highlighted ongoing challenges.

In an exclusive interview, Kamondo credited the UPND government for increasing CDF allocations from ZMW 500,000 to ZMW 28.3 million per constituency.

This boost, he said, had accelerated infrastructure development, including schools, health facilities, and boreholes, some of which had stalled for years due to insufficient funding.

He noted that projects like a 1x3 classroom block, which previously faced prolonged delays, were now completed within a year.

Despite these achievements, Kamondo pointed to persistent challenges limiting the CDF’s full potential.

One major issue, he said, was the low uptake of secondary school bursaries due to residents’ lack of awareness about available educational support.

“We must do more to inform people about these opportunities,” he emphasized, calling for enhanced community education efforts.

Kamondo also addressed the stalled construction of a girls’ boarding school, a project aimed at reducing teenage pregnancies.

He attributed the delay to inadequate public sensitization and urged stronger outreach efforts to maximize the initiative’s impact.

“This project is vital for the future of young girls in the area,” he stressed.

Concerns over fund mismanagement were another key issue. Kamondo accused certain council officials of favoritism, alleging they had prioritized family members and friends in bursary allocations.

He further disclosed that non-residents had fraudulently accessed bursaries, with 17 applicants disqualified for failing to meet residency requirements.

“Resources must be distributed fairly and transparently,” he insisted.

Misuse of empowerment funds was another area of concern.

Kamondo revealed that some beneficiaries had misappropriated business loans, undermining the grants’ intended purpose.

With over 400 applicants competing for a limited ZMW 2.4 million fund, he called for better oversight to ensure responsible fund utilization.

“The available funds are limited, so it’s crucial they are used effectively,” he noted.

To address these issues, Kamondo called for greater awareness about CDF’s true purpose—poverty reduction rather than free handouts.

He urged councils to provide clear feedback to rejected applicants, fostering transparency and public trust.

“Open communication about decision-making is essential,” he said.

Additionally, he proposed dividing Mufumbwe into two or three constituencies to improve service delivery.

“Mufumbwe is too vast for a single constituency. Splitting it would allow for more effective development planning,” he suggested.

While recognizing CDF’s positive contributions, Kamondo underscored the need for stronger management, awareness, and oversight to unlock its full potential.

His call for policy adjustments and constituency delimitation highlights the ongoing struggle to ensure equitable resource distribution, particularly in rural areas.

Kamondo’s warnings about fraud, inefficiencies, and lack of transparency serve as a reminder of the pressing need for greater accountability in CDF administration.

Only through effective oversight and fair resource allocation can the fund truly benefit communities in Mufumbwe and beyond.