LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)–Member of Parliament (MP) for Dowa East, Richard Chimwendo Banda, has thrown his weight behind a parliamentary motion seeking to give MPs greater authority over the management of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

The motion, moved by Dedza Kasina MP Joshua Malango calls for amendments to the current CDF framework to ensure that legislators play a central role in the approval and oversight of constituency development projects.

Parliament is currently considering a new Bill aimed at amending the Constitution to strengthen governance and management systems surrounding the Fund.

The proposed amendment sets out a clear administrative framework, emphasizing principles of transparency, accountability, and effective use of public resources.

According to the Bill, the reforms are designed to streamline decision-making, enhance oversight, and reinforce the original purpose of the CDF supporting development initiatives that directly benefit local communities.

If enacted, the constitutional amendment would provide a firm legal grounding for the Fund’s governance structure, marking a significant step toward enhancing public financial management and promoting equitable development across Malawi.

Speaker of Parliament Sameer Suleiman suspended discussion of the motion and adjourned proceedings to Tuesday, directing the Legal Affairs Committee to present its report to the House first.