CDF ACT TO BE REPEALED – HAAMAUNDU
February 27, 2023
LUSAKA – Government says it is in the process of repealing the Constituency Development Fund CDF Act number 11 of 2018 after successfully engaging stakeholders countrywide to ensure effective implementation of the fund.
This follows concerns raised by some cross sections of society on the accessibility of CDF prompting government to engage stakeholders from 13th to 28th February with an aim of ameliorating its operation.
Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Permanent Secretary in charge of administration Maambo Haamaundu says government has listened to the concerns of the people hence the consultative meetings that will culminate into enhanced CDF implementation in line with the New Dawn Government’s commitment of ensuring that decentralization is the centre of development.
Speaking this morning when he officiated at the stakeholder consultative meeting to review the Constituency Development Fund Act No. 11 of 2018 in Lusaka, Mr Haamaundu said the stakeholder meetings are important as they will ensure effective legislation that responds to the needs of the people.
Mr Haamaundu expressed optimism that the revised legislation will enhance the participation of the citizens in decision making for local government.
He revealed that the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development sought authority from cabinet to repeal and replace the CDF Act which was granted in 2022.
The Permanent Secretary assured citizens that all the submissions made will be compiled for inclusion in the bill which will be submitted to parliament.
And Mr Haamaundu called on the stakeholders to take the meetings seriously as they provide an effective platform for a broad based and evidence-based outlook on the issue that influence CDF implementation.
The bill is expected to be tabled before parliament for consideration during the first quarter of 2023.
In the 2022 National Budget, CDF saw an unprecedented increase in the size of funding and scope for its mandate from K1.6 million to K25.7 million and a further K28.3 million in 2023.
(C) THE FALCON