By Amos Sikaonga 
By Cecilia Chiluba
Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, has expressed disappointment with the substandard quality and questionable pricing of some Constituency Development Fund (CDF) projects being implemented by Kasama Municipal Council.
Following a monitoring tour of various CDF projects in Kasama Central Constituency, Gift Sialubalo has since called for the immediate realignment of the Council.
According to a statement issued by Ministry’s Principal Public Relations Officer, Liseli Kanyanga, Mr. Sialubalo noted the state of some projects did not reflect value for money, despite government’s substantial investment in decentralized development.
He directed that the performance of the Kasama Municipal Council be reviewed as a matter of urgency, and that corrective measures be instituted to ensure the proper management and execution of CDF projects moving forward.
“I am extremely disappointed with the quality of some of the projects being implemented under the CDF in Kasama. It is clear that there are serious lapses in supervision and accountability.”
“Some projects are not only overpriced but have also been poorly executed. This is a disservice to the people of Kasama,” Mr. Sialubalo stated.
He stressed that government has made decentralization a cornerstone of its development agenda by increasing allocations to the CDF in order to empower communities, address local needs, and improve service delivery at the grassroots level.
Mr. Sialubalo warned that officers responsible for overseeing CDF projects will be held accountable in accordance with established government procedures.
“The people of Kasama deserve better. Public funds must be used responsibly and must bring about tangible improvements in people’s lives.”
“We cannot afford to allow inefficiencies or mismanagement to undermine this important programme,” he added.
He urged local stakeholders including Ward Development Committees, councillors, and the general public to actively participate in monitoring projects and reporting irregularities
“Community involvement is critical to ensuring transparency and achieving meaningful development outcomes,” Mr. Sialubalo said.
Cecilia Chiluba