Government Dismisses Social Media Claims Linking PS Nicholas Phiri to CDF Remarks

The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development has dismissed as false, misleading and baseless a social media publication claiming that Permanent Secretary (Technical Services) Nicholas Phiri made remarks concerning Mark Simuuwe and the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) loans.

In a press release issued on 27 July 2026, the Ministry said Mr Phiri did not make the statements being circulated online and stressed that the publication does not reflect the Ministry's position.

The Ministry urged members of the public to avoid sharing or relying on unverified information intended to mislead the public and undermine confidence in government programmes.

It encouraged the public to obtain information relating to the Ministry only through its official communication platforms and authorised spokespersons.

The Ministry further reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and the prudent management of the Constituency Development Fund in accordance with the law.

The statement was issued by Principal Public Relations Officer Liseli Kanyanga on behalf of the Ministry.