By Wendy Mkandawire
The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) has commended the government’s decision to recruit 36 internal auditors in all councils to facilitate the smooth operations of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), but it says more auditors are needed.
According to Chief Executive Officer Albert Dambula said that the gesture is timely and will help promote transparency and accountability in the management of CDF resources.
Dambula stated that deploying internal auditors in councils will strengthen oversight and ensure CDF funds are efficiently utilized for their intended purpose.
On Tuesday, while presenting a ministerial statement on CDF, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Ben Phiri announced that the government has included recruiting about 36 internal auditors to ensure transparency and accountability regarding the procurement, implementation, and facilitation of the funds.
Phiri further disclosed that the government will implement a dashboard in district councils to allow citizens to track how CDF funds have been used.
Reacting to the announcement, Dambula commended the move; however, he argued that recruiting only 36 internal auditors is insufficient.
He said the body is expecting more auditors to be deployed to adequately cover all councils and ensure the funds promote development in the country.
The IIA has, on several occasions, called on the government, through the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, to recruit internal auditors to facilitate the smooth operations of the Constituency Development Fund.
