Makoni Central MP Deflects CDF Queries, Cites Higher Authority

By Shingirai Vambe

The Constituency Development Fund (CDF) is a government initiative aimed at promoting development in constituencies across Zimbabwe. The fund was first introduced in 2010 by former Finance Minister Tendai Biti during the tenure of the inclusive government. However, the fund collapsed a year later due to budgetary constraints and the absence of a legal framework to govern it.

The CDF has been plagued by allegations of abuse, with many MPs accused of using the fund for personal gain rather than for the development of their constituencies. This has led to widespread criticism and calls for greater accountability and transparency in the management of the fund.

In a bid to address these concerns, Parliament has embarked on an audit of the CDF to ensure that the fund is being used for its intended purpose. The decision to audit the fund was viewed by many as a signal of seriousness towards achieving accountability, which has long been a major handicap in State institutions.

Despite the potential of the CDF to promote development of constituencies, Zimbabwe is facing numerous challenges, including fuel and cash shortages, poor road networks, and shortages of drugs in health facilities. The education sector is also struggling, and there is a need for urgent injection of funds to breathe life into these critical sectors.

The CDF has also been marred by allegations of greed, with some MPs, including non-constituency MPs, applying for access to the fund. This has sparked outrage and calls for greater accountability and transparency in the management of the fund.

In a surprising turn of events, Patrick Sagandira, the Member of Parliament for Makoni Central, has come under scrutiny for his failure to respond to inquiries about the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocation for his constituency. When approached for comment, Sagandira cited a directive from his party, the Citizen Coalition for Change, as the reason for his silence. However, Amos Chibaya, allegedly tasked with responding on Sagandira’s behalf, refuted the claims, stating that CDF funds are public money and that every MP should be transparent and accountable for their allocation.

“Currently the instruction from our leader NC, (referring to Nelson Chamisa) is that only Chibaya is authorized to speak with journalists, I know yes but we still take instructions. We don’t just respond. We subscribe to superior authority,” responded Sagandira.

“The CDF is a critical component of Zimbabwe’s development agenda, aimed at improving the lives of citizens through infrastructure development, social services, and economic empowerment. As public servants, MPs are entrusted with the responsibility of managing these funds effectively and efficiently,” said Chibaya.

Sagandira’s reluctance to engage with the media on the CDF allocation for his constituency has raised concerns about transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.

Chibaya’s response highlights the importance of accountability and transparency in the management of CDF funds. “As MPs, it is our duty to ensure that public funds are used for the intended purposes and that the public is informed about the allocation and utilization of these funds,” noted Chibaya.

The CDF is a vital tool for promoting development in constituencies across Zimbabwe. However, the lack of transparency and accountability in the management of these funds can undermine the effectiveness of the program. As citizens, it is essential to demand transparency and accountability from their elected representatives. By speaking out, citizens can ensure that their MPs are held accountable for their actions and that the CDF is used to benefit the community.

The silence of Sagandira on the CDF allocation for his constituency serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in public office.

The President, Emmerson D. Mnangagwa earlier addressed MPs and urged citizens mandate is to demand more from their elected representatives including Councillors and ensure that public funds are used for the intended to benefit the community, By holding their MPs.

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