Zambia: Manyinga Member of Parliament Robert Lihefu, who is also the North Western Province Minister, has warned that he will not condone delays in implementing Constituency Development Fund (CDF)- funded projects by the Local Authority in the area.
Speaking during a heated meeting held with Council Management in the Council Chamber on Friday, where he demanded an update on CDF project implementation and utilization of funds, Lihefu said he was disappointed to learn that some projects have lagged behind despite being approved and funded.
He observed that Manyinga District had been rated the lowest in terms of performance, a situation he described as unfortunate for the district’s economic potential.
Lihefu demanded an explanation as to why Manyinga District underperformed in the year 2023.
“I’m disappointed with your performance. Manyinga has always performed well. Explain why this poor rating now, ” he said.
The Parliamentarian said with expanded CDF, Councils were expected to perform to optimal levels unlike the status quo Manyinga.
In response, Manyinga Town Council Secretary Pythias Samakong’a assured the Minister of the speed of implementation of CDF projects.
Samakong’a attributed delays in project implementation and completion of works to some Contractors who delay completing projects within the stipulated timeframe.
Manyinga Town Council Management recently appeared on the Parliamentary Accounts Committee panel (PAC) on Local Government, where they were also quizzed on CDF Utilization and Project implementation, among other issues.
Also in Attendance were Council Chairperson Henry Sakuwaha and Manyinga District Commissioner Brenda Mukwakwa.
“Residents also seemed angry with the Zambian Ministry and said that it’s a problem in Zambia and that we need someone to remind us about our work.”
“I am very much disappointed with our council, who on earth denies a cake that has been saved in your own hands, surely, ” said Muleni Luyanga, a resident of Solwezi, Zambia.
“Let auditors visit Manyinga. There’s no development in our district. Why? It’s on 30% in terms of development,” said another user.