Parliament heard today that most youths did not access the K40 million Constituency Youth Empowerment Development Fund (CYEDF) because of their alleged political affiliations.
Youth, Sport and Child Development Minister Gabriel Namulambe told parliament today that the CYEDF has now moved to Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission.
The Minister condemned the move to politicize the fund saying government will now provide guidelines to churches, NGOs, political parties and the civil society on how best to access the funds.
Mr. Namulambe, who is also Mpongwe Member of Parliament said government through his ministry will introduce the Child Bill in parliament this year that seeks to protect the interests of youths.
But Sinda Member of Parliament Levy Ngoma accused government of U-turning from its earlier position to decentralize the accessing of the funds from districts to the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Child Development in Lusaka.
The MP complained of high levels of unemployment in the country saying youths are frustrated thereby engaging themselves in illicit activities such as excessive beer drinking, drug intake and prostitution.
Mr. Ngoma was contributing to debate of estimates and revenue expenditure for the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Child Development.
Namulambe stop the rhetoric…..i doubt if the same funds r still available
Namulambe stop the rhetoric…..i doubt if the same funds r still available.How do u allocate monies without guidelines of how it z goin to be accessed?