By Edwin Mauluka
Newly sworn-in Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Ben Phiri has pledged to fast-track the implementation of the new administration’s ambitious plan to channel MWK 5 billion annually to every constituency, beginning in April 2026.
The initiative, reintroduced by President Peter Mutharika under a revamped Constituency Development Fund (CDF), will provide each constituency with MWK 5 billion for development projects, along with an additional MWK 100 million for youth loans and MWK 100 million for women loans.
“This funding goes to every constituency, regardless of whether you are a Government, Independent or Opposition MP. All Malawians and all districts deserve equal development,” Mutharika said.
Phiri, whose ministry oversees local councils and rural development, said he has already begun laying the groundwork to actualize the president’s vision. He described the new CDF as a cornerstone of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) manifesto aimed at ensuring equitable development across all regions.
He noted that his ministry is currently focusing on setting up strong administrative structures to guarantee transparency, accountability, and efficiency in fund management.
“We need to put in place good measures because these funds are Malawians’ taxes,” Phiri said. “We are ready to help the president ensure that all regions and districts achieve development. If any area remains underdeveloped, local leaders will have to answer for failure to prudently use the funds.”
Phiri explained that disbursement of the MWK 5 billion fund will begin in April 2026, coinciding with the new administration’s first budget. The current mid-year budget, prepared by the previous government, cannot accommodate the program without disrupting fiscal balance.
Having previously served in the same role during Mutharika’s first term, Phiri said the restructured CDF will accelerate decentralization by transferring the power to plan and implement development projects from Capital Hill to local authorities.
“Together with my colleagues in government, we will work tirelessly to strengthen decentralization, enhance service delivery, and promote inclusive rural development that leaves no community behind,” he said. “Our goal is to build stronger local governance structures and drive meaningful transformation in every part of the country.”
