THE reported public spat between Patriotic Front Milanzi Member of Parliament Melesiana Phiri Chibwe and Katete District Commissioner Mallan Zimba must be investigated thoroughly.
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It is mostly likely that the differences between the two are in relation to the manner in which the Constituency Development Fund is being administered in the district.
What is even more worrying is that political cadres, identified to be members of the ruling United Party for National Development took it upon themselves to intervene.
The cadres allegedly threatened to deal with Ms Chibwe as they not only hurled verbal abuse but threatened to beat her as well.
Reports from Katete are that the unfortunate incident occurred during the handover ceremony of CDF loans to Milanzi Constituents.
Ms Phiri and Mr Zimba apparently differed over something which prompted the cadres to join in defence of the DC.
Ms Phiri could be seen exchanging words with Mr Zimba over the disbursement of CDF and seeing that the argument had escalated, the cadres came to the DC’s aide and threatened to beat the MP if she did not refrain herself.
A witnesses said Mr Zimba started the confusion when he started shouting at the MP when she was giving her speech, leading to UPND cadres joining in.
A video also shows a group comprising about 10 people could be seen approaching the high table were Ms Chibwe was seated with the DC and threatened to deal with her.
In the video, Mr Zimba, for reasons best known to himself, did not appear to intervene as the cadres threatened to sort her out.
But the lawmaker stood her ground and indicated that she would not be intimidated by the antics of the cadres.
It is unfortunate that the two leaders allowed their differences to be played out in public.
It is in the public domain that not all is rosy in the manner that the CDF is being administered.
There have been accusations that the CDF is merely an empowerment scheme for political cadres – UPND members.
In addition, the PF has claimed for example that contracts under the CDF are only awarded to those aligned with the ruling party.
It is unfortunate that the CDF, that is meant to be accessed by any Zambian oblivious of their political inclination has taken on a partisan stance.
It is important that leaders learn to sort out their differences behind the scenes.
The CDF grants must have been discussed during meetings of the Ward Development Committee which should have prepared the list of the beneficiaries together with the local authority.
The function at which Ms Chibwe and Mr Zimba officiated should just have been a formality of presenting the cheques to the successful applicants.
Such conduct will only erode confidence in the manner the CDF is being run when it should not be so.
Transparency is key to the success of the CDF.
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