The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development has told councils to postpone planned district stakeholder consultative meetings and other preparatory activities for rolling out the expanded K5 billion Constituency Development Fund (CDF), according to Nation Online. Nation Online reports the directive was issued in a Wednesday memo signed by secretary Rev. Moses Chimphepo, and ministry spokesperson Chimwemwe Njoloma said the pause is intended to allow MPs, who are currently engaged, to take part as the government finalises new CDF guidelines.
The decision has renewed disagreement over whether MPs should influence council processes, with civil society and rights advocates questioning why council activities should depend on MPs’ availability, according to Nation Online. Nation Online reports Civil Society Negotiating Team chair Benedicto Kondowe and Human Rights Consultative Committee leader Robert Mkwezalamba warned the suspension could shift planning away from community structures and delay implementation, potentially until Parliament rises, while Ministry of Finance spokesperson Williams Banda said guidelines work is at an advanced stage and will proceed to stakeholder engagement, adding that donors want performance-based rules.