TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL ZAMBIA URGES GOVERNMENT TO CUT CDF ALLOCATION AMID AUDIT REVELATIONS

Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) has called on the government to reconsider and reduce future allocations for the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) in light of significant underperformance and governance issues revealed in the 2023 CDF Audit by the Office of the Auditor General.

TI-Z Executive Director Maurice Nyambe expressed deep concern over the findings, stating that the program’s mismanagement and inefficiencies have rendered it a “leaking tap” that urgently requires attention. He pointed out that despite the increasing allocations to the CDF over the past four years, there has been little improvement in fund utilization, with widespread governance weaknesses still persisting at various levels.

“There is no justification for the consistent annual increases in the CDF budget when the funds are not being effectively used,” Nyambe emphasized. He warned that continuing to increase the CDF allocation without addressing the structural flaws and governance lapses will only exacerbate the issues highlighted in the Auditor General’s report.

The 2023 CDF Audit detailed various shortcomings, including mismanagement of resources, lack of transparency in fund disbursement, and failure to implement key development projects in constituencies. These revelations have not only sparked concern domestically but have also caught the attention of international stakeholders.

Germany’s Ambassador to Zambia, Dr. Anne Wagner-Mitchell, weighed in on the issue, describing the findings in the Auditor General’s report as “shocking and sad.” She emphasized the need for greater accountability and transparency in managing public funds, especially those intended for grassroots development.

TI-Z has urged the government to prioritize addressing the systemic issues identified in the audit before considering any further budget increases. The organization advocates for a comprehensive review of the CDF program’s management processes, stricter monitoring mechanisms, and enhanced accountability at both local and national levels.

As calls for reform grow louder, stakeholders across the political and civil spectrum are expected to push for stronger oversight and responsible governance to ensure that the CDF fulfills its intended purpose of fostering meaningful development in constituencies across Zambia.
By Best Jere