By Nonhlanhla Phuti
Civil Society Organizations have backed government’s decision to conduct an audit of the constituency development fund -CDF- in order to improve transparency, accountability and proper management of the funds.
Finance Minister Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane has ordered the controller of internal audit to conduct a swift sample audit to review the utilisation of CDF in local authorities’ countrywide after suspecting abuse in kalabo.
Democratic Governance and Human Rights Advocates -DEGHA Copperbelt Coordinator, Gerald Mutelo believes that the audit will address the challenges faced by local authorities in effectively utilizing the CDF.
Mr. Mutelo has also emphasized the importance of capacity building for local authorities that may lack proper management skills.
And Community Action Against Corruption Chief Executive Officer, Brighton Tembo highlights the prevalence of abuse of CDF in local authorities and believes the call to conduct an audit is timely.
Mr. Tembo has also called for impartiality during the audit and avoid biasness towards the UPND in an event that those found wanting are affiliated to the party.
Meanwhile, Activist for Justice and development National Coordinator Bennie Muyangwa, has welcomed the Finance Minister’s directive which he believes will enhance accountability among local authorities and encourage them to explore better ways of utilizing the CDF.
PHOENIX NEWS