Controversy as K2 Million CDF Palace for Chieftainess Chiyaba Sparks Public Outrage.
The construction of a K2 million palace for Chieftainess Chiyaba in Chiawa Ward, Kafue Constituency, using Constituency Development Funds (CDF), has sparked widespread criticism, with governance experts and members of the public condemning it as a misuse of public resources.
The project, which commenced in May 2023 and is nearing completion, has been hailed by Kafue Member of Parliament Mirriam Chonya as a positive development for traditional leadership. However, critics argue that spending such a large sum on a chief’s residence while the majority of her subjects live in poverty is a clear sign of misplaced priorities.
Governance expert and lawyer Isaac Mwanza has strongly opposed the expenditure, calling it a waste of public funds. “Even if the chief’s house can be said to belong to the community, what benefit would it bring when the very people funding it—the subjects and voters—are struggling in squalor?” Mwanza questioned. He further noted that before 2021, K2 million was more than the entire CDF allocation for some constituencies, yet the increased funds are now being directed toward non-essential projects instead of community development.
Mwanza and other critics argue that the funds could have been better used to address pressing community issues such as access to clean water, improved healthcare services, or youth empowerment programs. “This is not development; this is simply building a mansion for a privileged few while the majority suffer,” he said.
While traditional leaders play a crucial role in governance and cultural preservation, some residents and stakeholders believe that funding their housing should not come at the expense of vital public services. They argue that if the government intends to construct palaces for chiefs, such projects should be financed through the Ministry of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs rather than CDF, which is meant to directly benefit local communities.
The issue has reignited debates over how CDF is allocated and whether stricter regulations should be put in place to ensure the funds prioritize essential services. “Zambians were promised prudent use of public resources under the New Dawn Government, but what we are seeing is economic sabotage in the name of development,” said one concerned resident.
As the project nears completion, calls for transparency and accountability in the management of CDF continue to grow. Critics are urging the government to reevaluate its spending priorities to ensure that public funds are directed toward projects that uplift the majority rather than benefiting a select few.
February 10, 2025
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Controversy as K2 Million CDF Palace for Chieftainess Chiyaba Sparks Public Outrage
