Broke Zimbabwe govt fails to disburse US$10.5m for CDF projects by MPs

The cash-strapped Zimbabwean government has failed to disburse US$10.5 million allocated to Members of Parliament (MPs) under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

The funds, equivalent to US$50,000 per constituency, were announced by Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda in September this year.

Despite the announcement, MPs have not received the funds, prompting Marondera Central MP Caston Matewu (CCC) to raise a point of privilege in Parliament.

Matewu expressed frustration that the funds had not been disbursed, citing the challenges posed by the instability of the local currency.

Cumulatively, US$50,000 allocated to each of the 210 constituencies totals US$10,500,000.

MPs were urged to submit their development project proposals for funding consideration. But they have not received the funds since 2022.

The CDF allocation is meant to support development projects in constituencies across the country. However, parliamentarians have been advocating for the funds to be disbursed in US dollars, citing the challenges posed by the local currency’s instability.

“It is unfortunate the Minister of Finance is not here. This august House last received the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) in 2022. This is now 2024 and we are going into 2025; it will be three years.

“Year on year appropriating the Constituency Development Fund and it is not coming to the Hon. Members of this august House,” Matewu stated during parliamentary session on Thursday.

“I want to implore through you that the Minister releases our Constituency Development Fund so that we can be confident. If we are to pass this Budget again with CDF, surely this time will come to the Hon. Members constituencies which to the public we have already received.

“The announcement that was made went viral even on ZBC saying we got the 50 000 and many in our constituencies are being harassed by citizens saying, where is this 50 000 that was said by Parliament that we have been appropriated?

“Through your office, can you please ensure that before we break off, the Minister of Finance pays us all our outstanding allowances so that as Hon. Members, we are able to expedite some of our expenses?

“We are going into the festive season, can you please ensure that the Minister pays all of us all our outstanding allowances?”

The Deputy Speaker of Parliament promised to relay the message to the Minister of Finance.

The Zimbabwean government is facing massive financial constraints. It is struggling to pay civil servants and contain the El Nino-induced drought.