Councillors from Nkhotakota North constituency have accused the area’s Member of Parliament (MP) Frank Mphande of abusing money for Constituency Development Funds (CDF).
The councillors, Joseph Zimkungwi of Kasitu ward and Charles Kamija from Nkhunga ward, last week took advantage of an interface meeting between people of the area and the elected councillors and the MP.
The meeting was organised by the Evangelical Association of Malawi.
“As councillors we are left out in the management of CDF. The MP neither consults us nor the Area Development Committees (ADC) when he wants to withdraw from the CDF and unfortunately the money is not channelled to the intended purposes,” said Zimkungwi.
The councillors substantiated their claim by producing a copy of Nkhotakota CDF report from the District Commissioner’s office which indicated that the MP had withdrawn almost K8 million through Uncle Rain Supplier for the purchase of construction materials for the projects that are not progressing.
“For example the report indicates that the MP withdrew K3.8 for purchase of construction materials for Dwambazi Rural Hospital and two medical staff houses at Chigumukire Health Centre but we don’t know where the money went because at Dwambazi it was a matter of buying some fittings for finishing of a laboratory.
“The main project was the construction of houses at Chigumukire. The houses stopped at foundation level. So, can building a foundation only cost that much?” querried Zimkungwi.
He also queried why procuring of construction materials for Dwambazi Hospital was appearing on three transactions on the report yet there was nothing on the ground.
Kamija, on the other hand, accused the MP of ignoring the councillors in the implementation of projects.
“If asked about development activities in the area I cannot provide answers because the MP ignores us. He thinks we are eyeing his seat,” said Kamija.
District Governor for Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Odalla Phiri who represented the MP, said CDF is for the MP and the MP was not breaking any law in sidelining the councillors.
“The councillors have LDF (Local Development Fund) while the MP has the CDF to manage, so, the MP is just acting within those guidelines.
“On the consultation, the councillors are just blowing this issue out of proportion because the MP always consults the development committees before commencement of any projects,” said Phiri.
And in a separate interview, Mphande maintained that as an MP he was at liberty to manage the CDF.
He also denied allegations of diverting money for development projects saying the councillors just want to tarnish his image.
Through a project called Citizen Participation, Evangelical Association of Malawi is aiming at enhancing participation of local people in the implementation of development activities by engaging them with the elected duty bearers.
Project Coordinator Evance Ajussu said he was pleased that the councillors had voiced out their concerns and would arrange for a meeting between the councillors and the MP so that they can work together.
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