Lusaka, Zambia – The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development has issued a stern warning to local authorities across the country over delays in implementing Constituency Development Fund (CDF) projects, stating that failure to utilize allocated funds denies communities access to essential services.
Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Nicholas Phiri, expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of CDF project execution, warning that the government will not tolerate excuses from underperforming councils.
Speaking during a meeting with North-Western Province Permanent Secretary Colonel Grandson Katambi in Solwezi, Mr. Phiri emphasized that local authorities must utilize at least 85% of disbursed CDF funds by the end of 2025 to ensure timely delivery of development projects.
“Denying communities access to essential services due to inefficiencies is unacceptable,” Mr. Phiri stated. “The CDF is a transformative tool meant to uplift livelihoods, and any delays in implementation directly affect citizens who depend on these projects.”
Attorney General’s Office Blamed for Delays
In response, Colonel Katambi acknowledged the delays in CDF project execution in North-Western Province but attributed the setbacks to prolonged contract clearance processes by the Office of the Attorney General.
“While we are committed to ensuring CDF projects are implemented, some delays have been beyond our control due to pending approvals from the Attorney General’s office,” Colonel Katambi explained. “We are engaging relevant stakeholders to expedite these processes so that development reaches our people without further delays.”
Government Demands Accountability
The Ministry’s warning comes amid growing concerns over uneven CDF utilization across the country, with some constituencies lagging in project completion despite repeated disbursements. Mr. Phiri urged local authorities to improve planning, procurement efficiency, and contractor supervision to avoid unnecessary bottlenecks.
“The CDF is not just about disbursing funds—it’s about delivering tangible results. Councils must ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget,” he added.
As the government pushes for stricter compliance, all local authorities are expected to submit quarterly progress reports to the Ministry to enhance transparency and accountability in CDF expenditure.
What’s Next?
With the 2025 deadline looming, councils are under pressure to accelerate project implementation or face possible sanctions. Meanwhile, stakeholders in North-Western Province have called for inter-agency collaboration to resolve contractual delays and ensure CDF projects meet their intended objectives.
For now, communities across Zambia will be watching closely to see if local authorities heed the warning—or risk leaving critical development projects unfinished.
