Malawi CSOs warn slow CDF disbursement threatens development

A coalition of 11 civil society organisations (CSOs) in Malawi has warned that slow disbursement of the reformed Constituency Development Fund (CDF) threatens to delay critical development projects across the country.

While the government has released K85.5 billion to 30 of the 36 local councils for contractor advance payments, project management, and bursaries, CSOs argue this amount is negligible compared to the total K1.3 trillion earmarked by Parliament. Leaders from the National Advocacy Platform, the Centre for Social Accountability and Transparency, and the Centre for Human Rights and Relief expressed concern that the approaching rainy season is rapidly narrowing the window for construction and implementation.

At the current pace, the organisations fear that even half of the allocated funds may not reach implementing councils in time for meaningful use. This delay could stall the construction of essential infrastructure, including classrooms, health facilities, water systems, and roads. Additionally, six local councils have reportedly been unable to access resources because they have not yet met required conditions.