Reported by: The Agency Media.
Date: 1st April, 2025.
Mumbwa, Central Province, Zambia.
Central Province Permanent Secretary Dr. Milner Mwanakampwe has issued a stern warning to local government officers, stating that any official hindering the effective implementation of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) will be removed from office without hesitation.
Speaking during a review meeting with the Mumbwa Town Council Secretary Mr. John Machai, his team and the Provincial Audit Committee, Dr. Mwanakampwe emphasized that accountability and service delivery were non-negotiable.
“There will be no sacred cows,” Dr. Mwanakampwe declared. “Any officer failing to perform their duties or mismanaging public resources will be sent home. We are here to serve the people and those standing in the way of progress have no place in the civil service.”
He reminded council officers that under President Hakainde Hichilema’s decentralization agenda, local authorities are entrusted with greater responsibility to directly impact the lives of citizens through localized development.
“CDF is not a political tool it’s a development engine. Any failure to utilize these funds effectively is a failure to serve the over 20 million Zambians whose lives depend on local service delivery,” he said.
Dr. Mwanakampwe noted that oversight mechanisms have been strengthened to ensure public funds are used efficiently. He highlighted the role of the newly established Provincial Audit Oversight Committee, which has the authority to act swiftly on recommendations from internal audits.
“Once the Audit Committee flags mismanagement or non-performance, the Oversight Committee will act decisively. We’re not in the business of making excuses,” he stated.
He also condemned the practice of withholding funds earmarked for social programs such as cash-for-work initiatives, warning that any attempt to delay or frustrate the disbursement of development funds would be met with firm disciplinary action.
“Money meant for the people must reach the people. Officers who sit on these funds risk not just sanctions, but outright dismissal. The President expects delivery, not bureaucracy,” he said.
The meeting focused on assessing the performance of Mumbwa Town Council in implementing CDF projects and ensuring that resources are utilized for their intended purpose. Dr. Mwanakampwe urged full cooperation with the Provincial Local Government Office, stressing that only results-driven leadership will be tolerated going forward.
The Agency.