A coalition of civil society organisations has called on government to publish a clear, time-bound and council-specific roadmap for the disbursement and implementation of the reformed Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
The organisations want the roadmap to show resources already released, outstanding balances, timelines for further disbursements and progress in implementing CDF projects.
The call comes after government released K85.5 billion to 30 of the country’s 36 local councils for advance payments to contractors under the reformed CDF.
In a joint statement issued on Thursday, the CSOs said the pace of disbursement was concerning, considering that about K1.3 trillion has been earmarked for CDF.
They warned that the implementation window is narrowing as the financial year progresses and the rainy season approaches.
“At the current pace, we fear that even half of the earmarked resources may not be disbursed in time for meaningful implementation,” the statement says.
The organisations said 72 percent of CDF resources is reserved for community development projects, translating to about K3.6 billion per constituency.
They said delays could affect the construction of classrooms, health and water infrastructure, roads and other community projects.
The CSOs also raised concern over six local councils that have not accessed the latest project resources because they have not met the required conditions.
They urged government to provide targeted and time-bound support to the affected councils while maintaining accountability requirements.
The organisations have also called for regular disclosure of council-specific information on CDF disbursements, projects, contractors, implementation progress and expenditure.
They said urgent action is needed to ensure that CDF resources translate into visible development before the implementation window closes.
