By Edwin Mauluka

The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development says the new Constituency Development Fund (CDF) guidelines now allow councils to spend funds on disaster response projects.

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Ben Phiri, disclosed this in Parliament on Thursday when responding to questions from legislators for Kasungu North West, Rumphi West, and Nkhatabay Central.

Kasungu North West MP Joseph Emmanuel Mseteka asked the minister to consider releasing constituency development funds currently held in councils so they can be used to rehabilitate schools whose roofs were blown off by recent rains and strong winds.

Rumphi West legislator Yona Mkandawire made a similar appeal, asking whether a waiver could be granted on the current CDF guidelines — since they prohibit disaster-related expenditure — to allow councils to respond to emergencies. He also proposed strengthening mechanisms to enforce standards in procurement and construction.

Before the minister responded, Nkhatabay Central MP Simon Vuwa Kaunda raised the same concern, noting that two schools and a bridge in his constituency require urgent rehabilitation while funds remain idle at council level. Lilongwe Msodzi MP also stressed that with the rainy season underway, constituencies must be able to respond quickly to disasters affecting schools so learning is not disrupted.

New CDF guidelines allow disaster response expenditure MediaGov — **Kasungu North West MP Joseph Emmanuel Mseteka.**

In his response, Phiri confirmed that funds are available in councils and that the new CDF guidelines include provisions for disaster response.

“In the guidelines we had before, expenditure on disasters was prohibited,” Phiri said. “I am pleased to report that going forward, disaster response has been incorporated into the new CDF and will be reinforced to specifically cater for disasters.”

Phiri explained that as the government continues decentralising functions and resources from Capital Hill to councils, it is necessary for constituencies to take responsibility for disaster response.

He urged Area Development Committees (ADCs) and district planners to prioritise disaster-related projects, especially those affecting public institutions such as schools and hospitals, to prevent disruptions in education and health services.

“We advise members that whenever disasters occur, the ADC chairperson should fill in the necessary documents and submit them to the District Commissioner, who will respond depending on availability of funds,” Phiri added.

He said the new guidelines will remain in effect until 31 March 2026, after which the government will introduce updated guidelines informed by parliamentary decisions on operations and legislation.

On enforcement of construction standards, Phiri said the government is strengthening capacity within councils and has already deployed qualified engineers to ensure compliance. He warned councils against misusing CDF resources, saying no one involved in abuse will be spared from prosecution.

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