Building 1 X 3 classroom blocks using CDF is nothing to boast about – Njobvu
Democratic Union President Ackim Antony Njobvu has taken a swipe at the UPND government for claiming that CDF – Constituency Development Fund is a game changer.
Njobvu says government cannot boast about building 1 X 3 classroom blocks and consider that as development.
He also wondered as to whether increased CDF was a reality following reports in some constituencies where contractors were yet to be paid their money for projects undertaken under CDF.
Speaking during an interview at Chongwe FM, Njobvu said sustainable development should change the face of a particular area and impact felt like the road and infrastructure development that the Patriotic Front had undertaken.
Njobvu said under UPND, CDF had not delivered to people’s expectations despite pronouncements of funds being increased.
He echoed finance minister’s statement that a lot would be arrested because of CDF due to among others, mismanagement of available CDF resources.
Not so long ago, Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) revealed shocking levels of CDF mismanagement and corruption.
According to the 2023 CDF Audit Report, less than 42% of funds allocated for community projects were utilized, while 53% remained unspent.
The report also highlighted significant financial irregularities, including unauthorized changes to projects (ZMW9.4 million), failure to account for funds (ZMW8.3 million), and failure to recover loans (over ZMW254 million).
Lusaka City Council topped the list of councils with financial irregularities, followed by Mongu and Isoka Town Councils respectively.
Other opposition parties, civil society organizations as well as other stakeholders have constantly demanded for accountability and systemic reforms on CDF.
Francis Chipalo
