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The Zambian government has acknowledged that corruption remained the greatest challenge to the success of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
Nicholas Phiri, the Permanent Secretary for Local Government and Rural Development in charge of Technical Services, stated that the government was actively implementing a zero-tolerance policy to address corruption.
Phiri made these remarks during a capacity-building training for journalists on CDF accountability and transparency, hosted by the Continental Leadership Research Institute (CLRI) at Mkango Golf View Hotel in Lusaka on Friday and Saturday.
He explained that the zero-tolerance policy was supported by legal reforms and collaborations with anti-corruption agencies.
“Whistleblowing mechanisms have been established to encourage citizens to report suspected corruption cases,” Phiri said.
He added that the government would protect whistleblowers and ensure prompt action on their reports.
Phiri further urged the media to play a critical role in educating the public on combating corruption and in spotlighting both successes and failures in the fight.
“The media is a powerful tool for promoting transparency and accountability. It is through your investigative reports, feature articles, and public debates that citizens gain the information they need to demand better governance,” he stated.
Phiri also revealed that the government is developing digital platforms to allow citizens to track CDF allocations and expenditures in real-time, ensuring transparency and accessibility of information.
He noted that CDF projects would now align with integrated plans under the 2018 Regional and Provincial Act to ensure alignment with the National Development Plan.
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Additionally, provisions to monitor the impact and performance of CDF projects are being strengthened in the new Act, which would replace the previous one.
US Embassy Public Affairs Officer, Phil Dimon, underscored the need for transparency in CDF project implementation across Zambia.
He called for greater community involvement in decision-making processes to ensure effective fund allocation.
“There is a need to develop clear and effective anti-corruption messages that resonate with communities, alongside awareness campaigns educating citizens on the risks of corruption and the importance of transparency,” Dimon stated.
Meanwhile, Mundia Hakoola, Executive Director of the Continental Leadership Research Institute, announced the launch of a project aimed at enhancing reporting on CDF accountability and transparency.
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