Parliamentarian for Blantyre City South Constituency, Noel Lipipa, has expressed desire for his constituency to be a model in as far as the prudent utilisation of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) is concerned.

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislator among other things has told Zodiak Online that among things he has empowered members of the CDF committee in his area who are championing all the CDF developmental projects.

 

“We want to be a model constituency in terms of how we decentralise the CDF by among others let the community  choose the type of development which must be prioritised as well as participate in the selection of the contractors to carry out the projects through the CDF committee in supervision with the city council”, said Lipipa.

 

The DPP law maker added that  this has helped to  reduce issues of funds mismanagement which the CDF has been characterised with as well as ensure that the communities are taking ownership on the implemented projects.

 

On his part, Executive Director for Youth Action in Developmental Activities (YADA) Ian Wisiki said his orgarnisation with support from the Tilitonse Foundation has been carrying  a Social Accountability monitoring for Community Development project which has empowered people in the area for them to be able to hold the duty bearers accountable as far utilization of the CDF is concerned.

 

Elvis Edgar who is a representative of Village Headman Martin mentioned construction of  Manase clinic as among other CDF developmental projects which the communities are being fully involved in its implementation. 

 

Other developmental activities being carried through the CDF in Blantyre City South are Kamba police unit, Zingwangwa bridge, Zingwangwa Health centre brick fence among others.

 

Implementation of the CDF has been marred by abuse of funds as well as a tug of war between members of parliament, councilors and even community members over who should be the overall in charge of the CDF.