President Peter Mutharika’s Reformed Constituency Development Fund (RCDF) is beginning to translate into tangible development projects, with construction of bridges and markets progressing in Mzuzu and Nkhatabay districts.
The projects, being implemented under the Reformed CDF and the Trade Programme, are part of government’s efforts to strengthen grassroots development, improve infrastructure and expand economic opportunities for local communities.
On Friday, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Dr. Ben Malunga Phiri, inspected construction works at various sites, including Vigwagwa Market in Mzuzu and Nkondezi Market in Nkhatabay, to assess progress and the quality of work.
The inspection comes three months after construction of Nkondezi Market commenced, reflecting the government’s drive under President Mutharika to ensure that development resources reach communities and deliver visible results.
Speaking after the tour, Dr. Phiri expressed satisfaction with the pace of implementation, commending the two district councils for demonstrating commitment to timely and quality delivery.
“I am impressed. The councils are moving with speed and with quality. This is what we mean when we say decentralisation must deliver. Funds are going directly to constituencies and we are seeing results on the ground,” said Phiri.
He said the Reformed CDF, championed by President Mutharika, is intended to ensure that development is experienced at community level, while markets constructed under the Trade Programme will provide better opportunities for small and medium-scale entrepreneurs, particularly women and young people.
“The market is not just a structure, it is an economic hub. When we build a good market, we create jobs, we improve hygiene, we increase council revenue and we dignify our traders,” he added.
Dr. Phiri further challenged local authorities to maintain discipline in project implementation, warning that government would not tolerate unnecessary delays or substandard construction works.
He said the National Decentralisation Strategy 2026–2036 would place greater emphasis on timely project completion and value for money, meaning councils would be assessed based on their ability to turn allocated resources into meaningful development.
The ongoing projects signal President Mutharika’s renewed push for grassroots development through decentralisation, with government expected to maintain pressure on councils to ensure that the Reformed CDF delivers lasting benefits to communities across the country.
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