By Jones Gadama
Members of Parliament from Mzimba have boycotted the Mmbelwa District Council full council meeting, which discussed the 2025-2030 District Development Plan (DDP). The absence of MPs from the meeting is believed to be a direct response to the recent constitutional court ruling that stripped them of their control over the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and the Water Resources Fund.
The constitutional court ruling also declared unconstitutional the provision that allowed MPs to vote during full council meetings and removed them from the role of selection, implementation, and monitoring of projects under CDF. Incumbent Member of Parliament for Mzimba South, Emmanuel Chambulanyina Jere, confirmed that the absence of MPs is due to the ruling, which they feel gagged them from being involved in council discussions.
Despite the absence of MPs, the full council meeting proceeded and approved the K233 billion 2025-2030 District Development Plan. District Commissioner Rodgers Newa described the plan as a blueprint that will spearhead the development of the district.
The boycott by MPs highlights the tension between the legislative and local government arms over the management of development funds. The outcome of the constitutional court ruling has significant implications for the role of MPs in local governance and development.
As the district council moves forward with implementing the approved development plan, it remains to be seen how the MPs will engage with the council and contribute to the development of Mzimba district. The situation underscores the need for clarity and cooperation between different arms of government to ensure effective service delivery to the people.
