RUMPHI MPS LOCK HORNS OVER CDF ROAD GRADER AS DISTRICT BATTLES POOR ROADS

Public Facebook spat exposes cracks in coordination of development funds amid urgent infrastructure needs

Rumphi – Tensions among two Members of Parliament representing Rumphi District in Malawi’s Northern Region boiled over on social media yesterday, as Hon. Jona Mkandawire (Rumphi West) defended his constituency’s solo push to acquire a road grader using Constituency Development Fund (CDF) resources.

A road grader similar to the one at the centre of the dispute in Rumphi.

The disagreement, which played out publicly on Facebook, underscores longstanding challenges in the management of the CDF particularly the procurement of high-value capital equipment at a time when Rumphi continues to grapple with some of the worst road networks in the Northern Region.

Hon. Mkandawire, popularly known as Mkulukutamoyo Junior, announced that Rumphi West Constituency Development Committee (CDC) will convene today (10 July 2026) at Ruviri alongside the District Commissioner (DC) and technical officers to advance the grader acquisition process.

Hon. Jona Mkandawire (Mkulukutamoyo Junior), MP for Rumphi West

He noted that other constituencies had shown limited interest initially. Hon. Mkandawire maintained that the Rumphi West CDC could still pursue the necessary approval.

Tomorrows meeting will break or make Rumphi West in terms of road network development. When your friends don’t support you, fight alone.

Dr. Matthews Mtumbuka, MP for Rumphi Central, responded by questioning the public approach to the matter. He said he had not been consulted directly and had earlier established a forum for all 4 Rumphi MPs, Rumphi East included, to discuss the issue collaboratively, with some willingness expressed for joint action.

 “Hon MP, some of these things we can talk kuchipinda before you come ku public… Tiyeni tigwire ntchito lumoza makora. Ndise wamoza. If we work as a team, we can buy the grader makora ghene”

Dr. Mathews Mtumbuka, MP for Rumphi Central.

In reply, Hon. Mkandawire clarified that he does not follow Dr. Mtumbuka’s page. He challenged whether a grader is featured on Rumphi Central’s priority list and reminded his colleagues of their roles in Village Development Committees (VDCs), Area Development Committees (ADCs), and CDCs.

“Matthews Mtumbuka I don’t follow your page, how should I comment? The issue is on your priority lists,did you put a grader as a priority? MPs are members of VDCs, ADCs and CDCs. Go to your committees and reprioritise then advise the DC to call for a joint meeting.”

According to CDF operational guidelines, major capital items such as road graders must typically appear in the approved budgets of multiple constituencies within a district to qualify as a shared priority. When support is limited as appears to be the case here the district council may reject the proposal, necessitating a formal ministerial waiver for constituency-specific procurement. Procurement must also comply with the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Act.

Hon. Mkandawire stressed that Rumphi West would not allow external dictates to stall its development agenda, citing strong local backing.

“Anthu aku Rumphi West are happy ndipo sindisiya kujiya… Chonde, ma issues aku Rumphi West can’t be dictated by other constituencies.”

Rumphi District, with its four constituencies (Rumphi West, Central, North and Rumphi East), has long suffered from deplorable road conditions that hinder economic activities, access to markets, health facilities, and education. Many rural roads become impassable during the rainy season, exacerbating poverty and isolation in this agriculture-dependent area of the Northern Region.

The public exchange has spotlighted broader implementation hurdles within the CDF framework, including effective priority setting, inter-constituency collaboration, and the acquisition of shared capital assets meant to benefit entire districts.

With procurement processes reportedly underway, the outcome of today’s CDC meeting could set a precedent: either a standalone acquisition for Rumphi West via waiver or a renewed push for district-wide cooperation.

As the nation continues to roll out the reformed CDF now constitutionally anchored following recent parliamentary amendments, stakeholders will be watching closely how elected leaders navigate such disputes to deliver tangible development.

Residents of Rumphi, who have endured years of poor road infrastructure, hope the disagreement ultimately translates into accelerated action rather than prolonged division. 

Tiyeni Malawians will continue to monitor developments.