Youth and Society (YAS), through its Zatikwana Anti-Corruption Campaign, has raised serious concerns over the quality and accountability of bridge construction projects funded under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) in Traditional Authority Mwambo, Zomba.

The concerns follow an inspection tour of four bridges—Mbiri, Kokanguwo, Namisisi, and Thabwani—which revealed poor workmanship, including the use of substandard materials such as bricks and timber that are already showing signs of deterioration.

Some of the projects have reportedly stalled for up to four years.

Zatikwana Campaign champion for Zomba District, Fabiano Black Junior, described the bridges as sub-standard and expressed concern over potential mismanagement of project funds.

“After inspecting the bridges, we noted that they are of poor quality, and we are worried that there might be issues of misuse of public resources,” Black said.

He added that the group plans to engage all relevant duty bearers, including the local Member of Parliament, to discuss a way forward.

Echoing these concerns, Sanudi Mussa, Chairperson of the Zomba District Council Youth, cited a lack of transparency in the management of CDF resources.

“There is much secrecy surrounding how the CDF is managed. Community members are left in the dark,” Mussa said.

The Zatikwana Anti-Corruption Campaign, funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is designed to empower youth to take an active role in combating corruption and promoting accountability in local development initiatives.