Governance expert Brebner Changala has urged government to ensure that all Constituency Development Fund (CDF) applicants meet the required standards rather than being selected based on political affiliation.
Mr. Changala emphasized the need for due diligence in evaluating applicants before granting loans to prevent defaults and a sense of entitlement to the funds.
His remarks come after government warned that the CDF loan facility could be discontinued due to widespread failure by entrepreneurs to repay.
But Mr. Changala described this development as unfortunate, arguing that it would hinder community development by limiting access to much-needed financial support.
“The CDF initiative is failing to achieve its intended purpose because it has been highly politicized, with priority given to UPND supporters who feel entitled to the funds at the expense of struggling Zambians,” alleged Mr. Changala in an interview with RCV News.
He further criticized government for not involving debt collectors to recover unpaid funds despite repeated concerns over non-repayment.
Mr. Changala stressed that political alignment should not be a factor in accessing CDF loans, as doing so undermines national development efforts.
By Christabel Kamunu
