Minister Urges Legislator to Use CDF Funds for Construction of Police Unit
Minister of Homeland Security asks legislator to build police unit at Mwanakhu market using Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to enhance security.
LILONGWE, MALAWI — Minister of Homeland Security Zikhale Ng'oma has called on legislator Ebbie Mathanda to utilise the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) for constructing a police unit at Mwanakhu Market, in response to Mathanda's request made in Parliament on July 27, 2023, writes Esther Banda.
Ng'oma stated that Mathanda should follow the example set by other legislators in their constituencies, who have utilised the CDF to build police units as a means of boosting security.
He emphasised the importance of addressing the security concerns at Mwanakhu Market through the construction of such a facility.
"The assessment of social economic activities shows a need for the construction of police units in the area as far as security is concerned, and a lot of legislators are using the same amount of money to build police units in their constituencies, and she can also do the same," said Ng'oma.
Responding to this request, legislator Ebbie Mathanda explained that the CDF allocated to them is not solely dedicated to construction, as a significant portion, close to K20 million, is earmarked for bursaries.
Therefore, only K80 million is available for construction purposes.
Mathanda further expressed that it would be impossible to utilise the CDF funds for the construction of a police unit, as the allocated funds are already committed to completing the 2022 projects that were left unfinished due to a lack of funds.
She highlighted the ongoing collaboration with the ADC (Area Development Committee) to prioritise and complete the projects, including bridges and roads, necessitated by the aftermath of Cyclone Freedy.
However, Mathanda mentioned that if the ministry lacks the resources to undertake the construction, she will forward her request to the council for alternative funding options.
"If the ministry can not build it because they don't have funds, then I will go to the council and push for it because there are certain funds that do not belong to the constituency but can be used for the same project if you ask for them," said Mathanda.
The construction of the police unit at Mwanakhu Market would greatly enhance the safety of the community and businesses, as gun violence incidents have been on the rise.
The presence of such a facility would deter criminals and provide much-needed protection for the lives and livelihoods of the residents.