Government Pledges to Address Low CDF Perfomance Rate

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development says government is putting in place measures to address the low performance rate of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

Speaking in an interview with Money News, Gary Nkombo indicates that there is no underutilization of CDF as others have suggested but low uptake levels due to a number of challenges that are being addressed.

Mr. Nkombo notes that there are a number of factors that are currently affecting the absorption of the fund in most constituencies, which include legislation.

He adds that the Public Procurement Act had also created issues with electronic government procurement (EGP) system which caused delays in implementing CDF projects.

Mr. Nkombo further says Government has resorted to having CDF projects being approved at the provincial level rather than at the Ministry in Lusaka in order to ensure timely implementation of community development initiatives.