Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) have taken the government to task over delays in the disbursement of funds for various development projects under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

The issue was first raised by Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Member of Parliament for Dowa East, Richard Chimwendo Banda, who questioned why ministers continue referring MPs to councils for funding when the funds are yet to be released.

Banda said no council has so far received funding for CDF projects, raising concerns over how councils are expected to implement projects under the fund without resources.

“As we are speaking, no council has received anything under CDF, yet whenever we ask about the funds, we are being referred to the same councils,” lamented Banda.

Commenting on the matter, Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Simplex Chithyola Banda described the situation as “terrible.”

He argued that the government does not have readily available funds for CDF and is hiding behind procedures as a way of delaying the release of resources.

“It is clear that there is no money for CDF, and this will have huge consequences because there will be no development taking place in constituencies,” said Chithyola Banda.

However, Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Decentralisation Joseph Mwanamvekha challenged MPs to engage their respective councils on the procedures required before funds can be disbursed.

Mwanamvekha said demands by legislators for the Ministry to speed up the release of funds go against established policy guidelines.

“As government, we have clear procedures where councils are required to submit proposed projects, contractors and budgets for approval before funds can be disbursed,” said Mwanamvekha.

He added that more than K200 billion is currently available for CDF disbursement once the required processes are completed.