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MPs demand release of CDF funds
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Zimbabwean legislators have expressed frustration over the delayed release of Community Development Funds (CDF), which are intended to support development projects in their constituencies. The issue was raised by Rushinga legislator Tendai Nyabani during a National Assembly session on Thursday, as lawmakers seek clarity on why their constituencies have not yet received the promised funds.
CDF is a government program where funds are allocated to elected Members of Parliament to develop their constituencies. In September 2024, Parliament announced that Treasury had allocated US$50,000 for each constituency for the 2024 financial year. However, despite this announcement, legislators have yet to receive the funds, and their constituencies are demanding answers.
Nyabani, visibly upset, asked Parliament, "CDF has not been distributed. Firstly, what is the challenge, and when can we anticipate receiving it?" He stressed that MPs should not have to beg for the funds, which were promised to them for development purposes. "We were told that there are constituency offices to be built for us in rural areas, and all modalities are in place, but now, it is quiet," he said. He also pointed out that MPs had not received their traveling allowances and fuel coupons for months, further compounding the situation.
Nyabani added, "We want the whole country to know that the CDF amounting to US$50,000, which we were told we were supposed to receive, has not yet been given. We need answers."
According to CDF law, only National Assembly legislators who directly represent constituencies are eligible to receive the funds. Of Zimbabwe's 360 legislators (comprising the National Assembly and Senate), only 210 represent constituencies, meaning Treasury set aside US$10.5 million for this purpose.
The CDF program was introduced during the inclusive government and is seen as a key avenue for local development. However, delays in disbursing the funds have caused growing frustration among legislators, particularly as they face increasing pressure from their communities to deliver on promises made during election campaigns.
In response, Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Tsitsi Gezi, acknowledged the concerns but refrained from offering immediate comment. She said she would consult with relevant authorities and provide a comprehensive response the following week. "I have no comment on the matter at this moment, but I will consult and bring concrete responses next week," Gezi said.
The delay in CDF disbursements is expected to continue to be a contentious issue in Parliament, with MPs demanding more transparency and accountability in the allocation of funds for community development projects.
CDF is a government program where funds are allocated to elected Members of Parliament to develop their constituencies. In September 2024, Parliament announced that Treasury had allocated US$50,000 for each constituency for the 2024 financial year. However, despite this announcement, legislators have yet to receive the funds, and their constituencies are demanding answers.
Nyabani, visibly upset, asked Parliament, "CDF has not been distributed. Firstly, what is the challenge, and when can we anticipate receiving it?" He stressed that MPs should not have to beg for the funds, which were promised to them for development purposes. "We were told that there are constituency offices to be built for us in rural areas, and all modalities are in place, but now, it is quiet," he said. He also pointed out that MPs had not received their traveling allowances and fuel coupons for months, further compounding the situation.
Nyabani added, "We want the whole country to know that the CDF amounting to US$50,000, which we were told we were supposed to receive, has not yet been given. We need answers."
The CDF program was introduced during the inclusive government and is seen as a key avenue for local development. However, delays in disbursing the funds have caused growing frustration among legislators, particularly as they face increasing pressure from their communities to deliver on promises made during election campaigns.
In response, Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Tsitsi Gezi, acknowledged the concerns but refrained from offering immediate comment. She said she would consult with relevant authorities and provide a comprehensive response the following week. "I have no comment on the matter at this moment, but I will consult and bring concrete responses next week," Gezi said.
The delay in CDF disbursements is expected to continue to be a contentious issue in Parliament, with MPs demanding more transparency and accountability in the allocation of funds for community development projects.
Source - newsday
