The Minister of Local Government will not say who should handle the Constituency Development Fund. Ben Malunga Phiri declined to pick a side between MPs and local councilors. He stated the issue remains under review at the highest government level. President Arthur Peter Mutharika has not signed a related private member's bill from MPs. Cabinet discussions have also not formally started.
Phiri explained his position must wait for cabinet consensus and presidential direction. The proposed bill seeks to protect decentralization by locking development funds for local councils in the constitution. Phiri noted this would stop future governments from taking back devolved money. The Malawi Local Government Association has issues with the legislation, however. Its Executive Director, Hadrod Zeru Mkandawire, said several concerns from the parliamentary process are still unanswered. He did praise the minister's neutral stand.
MALGA is waiting for its own executive committee to decide how councils should proceed. This follows a Constitutional Court ruling last year that banned MPs from managing the fund. The court cited conflicts of interest and a breach in the separation of powers. It ordered MPs removed from CDF management and local council voting, transferring control to other stakeholders. Some MPs are appealing, while councilors and civil society groups argue local councils should administer the money, with MPs only providing oversight.
Phiri explained his position must wait for cabinet consensus and presidential direction. The proposed bill seeks to protect decentralization by locking development funds for local councils in the constitution. Phiri noted this would stop future governments from taking back devolved money. The Malawi Local Government Association has issues with the legislation, however. Its Executive Director, Hadrod Zeru Mkandawire, said several concerns from the parliamentary process are still unanswered. He did praise the minister's neutral stand.
MALGA is waiting for its own executive committee to decide how councils should proceed. This follows a Constitutional Court ruling last year that banned MPs from managing the fund. The court cited conflicts of interest and a breach in the separation of powers. It ordered MPs removed from CDF management and local council voting, transferring control to other stakeholders. Some MPs are appealing, while councilors and civil society groups argue local councils should administer the money, with MPs only providing oversight.
