By Jones Gadama
Ministers of Local Government and Rural Development Dr. Ben Phiri and Information and Communications Technology Dr. Shadric Namalomba jointly hosted a press briefing at the Central Office of Information in Lilongwe on Wednesday, where they updated Malawians on the progress of the reformed Constituency Development Fund programme.
The briefing highlighted that government has allocated K5 billion for constituency development projects this year, aimed at improving service delivery and accelerating infrastructure development across the country.
Moreover, the ministers outlined a series of reforms designed to make the CDF more transparent, efficient, and responsive to community needs.
Leading the update, Dr. Ben Phiri detailed the establishment of Constituency Development Committees in all constituencies, noting that the bodies bring together councillors, MPs, chiefs, civil society organizations, and community representatives to ensure inclusive planning.
In addition, he explained that councils have recruited qualified personnel including engineers, accountants, procurement officers, and constituency work supervisors to strengthen implementation at the local level.
Furthermore, Dr. Phiri pointed to the development of clear guidelines for planning, procurement, budgeting, monitoring, and reporting, which he said will close loopholes that previously undermined project delivery.
Throughout his remarks, Dr. Phiri emphasized that the new performance-based CDF model will reward constituencies that demonstrate effective use of resources, thereby promoting accountability. Consequently, he expressed confidence that the reforms will restore public trust and ensure that funds translate into visible development on the ground.
His presentation drew commendation for its clarity and for demonstrating a hands-on approach to decentralization, with many observers noting that his leadership has been instrumental in pushing the reforms forward.
Building on this, Dr. Shadric Namalomba underscored government’s commitment to openness by announcing the rollout of a digital CDF dashboard and public portal. He explained that the platform will enhance transparency, enable public participation, and allow citizens to track projects in real time.
Additionally, Dr. Namalomba reaffirmed that the ICT Ministry will work closely with oversight institutions such as the Anti-Corruption Bureau, the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority, and the Construction Industry Regulatory Authority to safeguard the funds. His contribution was noted for complementing the local government reforms with technological solutions that empower citizens.
Underpinning these efforts, President Peter Mutharika’s administration has been credited for appointing dedicated ministers who are driving results.
By prioritizing both institutional reform and technological innovation, the government has signaled that it is serious about demand-driven development.
Taken together, the updates signal a renewed push to ensure that CDF resources deliver meaningful impact for Malawians, with stronger oversight, broader participation, and measurable outcomes.
