Ben Phiri Launches Reformed CDF Dashboard to Boost Transparency

Minister of Local Government and Urban Development Ben Phiri on Friday launched the Reformed Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Dashboard, a digital platform designed to enable Malawians to track and monitor the utilisation of public funds in their constituencies.

Speaking during the launch in Lilongwe, Phiri said the dashboard marks a significant step towards promoting transparency, accountability and public participation in the management of development resources.

He noted that for many years, Malawians have faithfully paid taxes without having a clear mechanism to monitor how their money was being spent.

“People have continued to complain about poor hospital infrastructure, inadequate school facilities and other development challenges. It is for this reason that His Excellency the President resolved to devolve more resources to the constituencies, a move that also demands strict accountability in the use of public funds,” said Phiri.

The minister explained that the dashboard will allow citizens to monitor projects and expenditure while placing greater responsibility on controlling officers to ensure that public resources are managed transparently and responsibly.

He described the initiative as “a new dawn for a transparent Malawi.”

According to Phiri, the platform consists of both a public portal and a restricted administrative portal. It provides information on project expenditure, procurement processes, implementation progress, quality of works and the sources of materials used.

He added that the system also enables citizens to submit feedback, allowing government to address challenges and continuously improve project implementation.

Salima District Commissioner Thokozile Chingeni welcomed the initiative, saying councils have aligned various flagship projects under the CDF in sectors such as health, education and bridge construction.

Chingeni said councils are committed to ensuring that CDF resources are used prudently through strengthened management structures, including the recruitment of directors and constituency staff who will oversee project implementation.

She disclosed that councils have already received preparatory funds to facilitate procurement processes ahead of the rollout of development projects.

Under the reformed Constituency Development Fund, each constituency is expected to receive K5 billion to finance development projects.