In a new report released on Friday, May 16, 2025, regarding the implementation of the Local Development Program in 145 Territories across four provinces, including Kongo-central, Kwango, Kwilu, and Kasaï, the Center for Research in Public Finance and Local Development (Crefdl) paints a bleak picture of the work carried out by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Cell for the Execution of Financing for Fragile States (CFEF), all at overestimated costs. The report, presented to the national assembly, reveals that CREFDL estimates the delivery rate of the projects carried out by the UNDP in Kasaï to be 0%. This is despite the government fully funding these projects with an additional $70 million. In Kasaï, out of the 69 expected projects, only 35 have been initiated since 2023, with only one nearing completion, while 34 have not even begun. CREFDL expresses concerns that two years after the official launch of the program, the UNDP may not be able to deliver the planned infrastructure in Kasaï as per the first phase of its agenda.
As for the projects executed by CFEF, another implementing agency within the program, Crefdl evaluates its completion rate at around 65%. However, there are worries about the delayed execution, set at six months from September 30, 2022. On-site, construction works have already spanned about two years, potentially breaching Article 56 of Decree No. 23/12 of March 3, 2023, on the manual of procedures for public procurement. Despite CFEF’s involvement in the program, Crefdl recommends its removal, especially since it is currently functioning as an execution unit for projects and public procurement, conflicting with Decree No. 10/32 of December 28, 2010, establishing the Project Management Unit for public procurement. Consequently, the Center for Research in Public Finance and Local Development urges the government to halt the execution of Phase 1 of the PDL-145T and retrieve all unused funds from the UNDP and CFEF to redirect them to the public treasury due to the poor quality of the projects carried out by these agencies in the provinces.
Maybe it’s just me, but there seems to be a bit of a hiccup in the implementation of the Local Development Program in various provinces. The report by CREFDL sheds light on the inefficiencies and delays in project delivery by the UNDP and CFEF, hinting at a mismanagement of funds and resources. It’s not really clear why these agencies are falling short on their promises, but the numbers don’t lie. With only a fraction of the expected projects completed and significant delays in others, it’s evident that corrective actions need to be taken to ensure the successful implementation of the program. The call to suspend Phase 1 of the PDL-145T and reclaim unused funds for better purposes seems like a step in the right direction to address these shortcomings and hold accountable those responsible for the underperformance. Overall, it’s a concerning situation that demands immediate attention and rectification for the benefit of the communities relying on these development initiatives. So, let’s hope for some swift and effective measures to get things back on track.
