The Anti-Voter Apathy Project (AVAP) has commended government for increasing the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) from K60 million to K200 million per constituency.
AVAP Executive Director Bonnie Tembo says the move will enable Members of Parliament
and stakeholders in development to initiate meaningful developmental projects in the
respective constituencies.
Mr Tembo however told ZANIS that the Ministry of Local Government and Housing should
advertise the guidelines for accessing and utilising the funds.
He said this is because many people in the various constituencies have no
information regarding the CDF.
Mr. Tembo proposed the formation of committees to spearhead the utilisation of the
funds.
” However in the spirit of transparency and making sure that the funds are used for
eligible developmental projects, the CDF committees should de-politicised,” said Mr
Tembo
He pointed out that this is because in the past the CDF committees comprised of
party cadres belonging to the Area Member of Parliament.
Mr. Tembo said CDF committees should be balanced with a number of stakeholder
organisations sitting on such committees.
He further called upon the electorate in all the constituencies to monitor the
disbursement of the funds.
Mr Tembo also called on MPs to visit their constituencies to explain the CDF in
terms of accessing, utilising and accountability.
He said MPs should take a lead in ensuring that the electorate identify viable
projects.
