CDF CONDUIT FOR POLITICAL PATRONAGE-M’MEMBE

Opposition Socialist Party of Zambia President, Fred M’membe, says the continued increase in the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) by the UPND government is merely for political patronage and stealing and not to solve the problems Zambians are Facing.

Dr. M’membe was speaking to Journalists today, outside the Magistrate Court, when he was asked what he thinks of the 2025 National Budget, whose CDF was increased from the K30.6M in 2024, to  K36.1M in 2025, per constituency.

He said there is too much corruption in the utilization of the CDF.

Dr. M’membe said the 2025 National Budget is a veil to place more burdens on Zambians whom he called “already  overburdened citizens.”

“The 2025 budget will not lift people’s burdens,” said Dr. M’membe.

He said Zambians have stress with cost of living  and many other things and that the UPND should have paid attention to the cries of the people to be called good leaders.

Meanwhile, Governance and Development Advocates Zambia Executive Director, Elias Mulenga, said the 2025 National Budget is pro poor.

Mr. Mulenga said in a statement issued to RCV News in Lusaka today that the councils hence ought to ensure that they utilize the funds for 2024 budget to finish the outstanding projects so that there is consistence in the new increased CDF.

He  said this will enhance Public Service Delivery.

 

By Eva Hatontola