CDF impact accessment urged

Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Mkhondo Lungu says there is need for the country to come up with studies on the impact and usage of the Constituency Development Fund as this will provide a basis for appropriate interventions with the view of contributing to the prudent use of the Fund.

Speaking at a consultative workshop with Parliamentarians on the utilization of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) organized by the Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) and Common Cause in Lusaka this morning, Mr. Lungu notes that there has never been a fully fledged assessment of the impact of CDF.

Mr Lungu says CDF is essentially a standing mechanism aimed at empowering local communities by providing funding for health, education and other initiatives.

Mr. Lungu notes that the participation of local people who are affected and in need of development is important in the utilization of CDF.

He says the participation of local people in the utilization of CDF allows them to take full control of their lives and to reduce poverty in their communities.

Mr Lungu states that collaborated efforts will be a step in the right direction at ensuring accountability and efficient management and utilization of the CDF.

Mr. Lungu notes that since the inception of the CDF, there have been a number of successes and challenges over its management and usage.

And speaking earlier, Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) Executive Director MacDonald Chipenzi says misapplication of the CDF has become the order of the day in most constituencies due to limited accountability and transparency in the management and utilization of the public resources at community level.

Mr. Chipenzi says sustainable management of the CDF has potential to make desired impact on communities through locally identified, designed and responsive projects.

He adds that in the face of an over bureaucratic governance system, CDF mechanism may stand a chance of responding to dire needs if effectively managed as a means of ensuring a fair distribution of funds across constituencies.