Allegations of Misuse of Constituency Development Funds attracts Ministerial Action.

Lusaka, Sunday, 12th May 2024

By: Mumbi Kalimba Kaseshya

Amidst the ongoing project monitoring and evaluation initiative in Kalabo District, troubling reports have emerged regarding the alleged misappropriation of Constituency Development Funds (CDF) within the Kalabo District Council, a local government entity overseeing Kalabo and Liuwa Constituencies.

The Honorable Minister of Finance and National Planning, Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, MP, has been apprised of these allegations, expressing deep concern over the purported misuse of public resources. Preliminary investigations suggest collusion between certain council officials and community members in establishing unauthorized cooperatives and clubs, purportedly for the illegitimate withdrawal of CDF funds. There are fears that similar malpractices might be prevalent in other local authorities across the country.

In response to these alarming revelations, the Minister has directed the Controller of Internal Audit, Internal Audit Division, Ministry of Finance and National Planning, to undertake a comprehensive and expeditious sample audit and review of CDF fund utilization in local authorities nationwide. Officials have been urged to ensure the preservation of all CDF-related documentation for scrutiny by auditors.

The objectives of the impending internal audit are threefold:

1. To ascertain the veracity of the allegations and furnish recommendations to law enforcement agencies for the imposition of appropriate sanctions against those found culpable.

2. To underscore any lapses in the management of public funds by local authority administrators, highlighting deviations from established laws, regulations, and guidelines.

3. To propose suitable sanctions, in consultation with relevant professional bodies such as the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants, against implicated staff involved in professional misconduct leading to the misappropriation of public funds.

The concerning reports from Kalabo have prompted urgent action from the Treasury. Minister Musokotwane has reiterated the imperative for public officials entrusted with financial management responsibilities to adhere scrupulously to extant laws, regulations, and guidelines without exception. He stressed the importance of seeking guidance from the Treasury in cases of procedural ambiguity or absence of clear directives on financial matters.

The Public Finance Management Act no. 1 of 2018 and the disciplinary code and procedures governing the public sector and local government service offer clear directives on addressing instances of financial misconduct. The Treasury vows to pursue disciplinary measures against all officers implicated in financial malfeasance, underscoring its commitment to upholding fiscal integrity and accountability.

The nation awaits the outcome of the impending audit, hopeful that transparency and accountability will prevail in the stewardship of public funds, safeguarding the interests of the Zambian populace.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy of Melo Media Zambia.