The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) has noted a significant progress in empowering communities to actively participate in decision-making processes related to Constituency Development Fund (CDF) projects.
JCTR Executive Director Fr. Daniel Mutale, SJ says the Centre has seen greater awareness among both community members and duty bearers, including the CDFC, about their role in ensuring that public resources are utilized efficiently and equitably
JCTR has just concluded implementing a project aimed at Enhancing Social Accountability in CDF Implementation.
The project was implemented under the broader Deepening Democracy Facility (DDF) program by the JCTR in partnership with Diakonia.
Speaking at the Project Closure Meeting in Kitwe, Fr. Mutale said this project has worked towards strengthening social accountability mechanisms, increasing community engagement, and fostering a culture of responsible governance in CDF implementation.
“At JCTR, our commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance is rooted in our faith-inspired mission to ensure that public resources, such as the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), are used effectively for the benefit of all, especially the poor and marginalized. Over the past months, this project has worked towards strengthening social accountability mechanisms, increasing community engagement, and fostering a culture of responsible governance in CDF implementation,” Mr. Mutale said.
“Through various interventions including community training sessions, interface meetings, and stakeholder engagements we have witnessed significant progress in empowering communities to actively participate in decision-making processes related to CDF projects. We have also seen greater awareness among both community members and duty bearers, including the CDFC, about their role in ensuring that public resources are utilized efficiently and equitably,” he said.
Fr. Mutale advocated the need to continue strengthening governance structures and improving service delivery.
Kitwe City Council, Constituency Development Fund Committee (CDFC), Ward Development Committees (WDCs) and community members participated in the meeting.
Kaya
Katwishi
If competently managed, CDF could be a game changer across the country. Hopefully, the Catholic involvement will deliver the much needed direction.
Kwisa naimwe. You have also bought into this game changer narrative yet the common man is still seriously wallowing in poverty, destitution and hopelessness
CDF can never be a game changer in any way shape or form. CDF is a scam to enrich cadres and local UPND leaders. If CDF cannot make bridges and roads and manufacturing projects, it is not a game changer. So, stop praising a wrong.
Is it the communities which sat and decided to buy police vehicles in all the 156 constituencies? It means the central powers still decides how to ran and distribute CDF. Zambians have been gamed. The game changer changes nothing for the local community.
The Chawama MP was accused of being an irresponsible and absentee leader. That locals could not access funds because as a CDF signatory she reportedly run away to the USA.
The Ikelen’gi district mp, doubling as head of Health Ministry, got blocked from entering his own constituency for allegedly neglecting local development.
If GRZ ministers can fail on CDF implementation, what more any-other who may, for politics, be falsely accused? Let there be light and order on CFD usage and participation.
Is it true that a government minister insulted Chief Nyakaseya of the Lunda people