CDF: Senators cry foul

of the Constituency Development Fund.
The senators accused Minister Biti of making the fund a preserve of House of Assembly members alone, making them a laughing stock in constituencies while their Lower House counterparts are being exalted.

Government introduced the CDF in the 2010 national budget to help MPs engage in developmental projects in their constituencies.
The senators raised their complaints during a debate on the Finance and Appropriation Bill that gives legal effect to the 2012 budget announced recently by Minister Biti.
Senators from across the political divide were united in condemning Minister Biti for failing to make a provision for them in the management of the CDF.

Mutoko Senator Edmond Jacob (Zanu-PF) said: “Why does CDF exclude Senators. In our constituencies, tavakuonekwa sevanhu vasina basa. Why is there no provision for the 60 elected senators?”
Tsholotsho Senator Believe Gaule (MDC) questioned their exclusion.
“I have concern over this animal called CDF. I don’t see why senators are being deprived of these CDFs,” he said.

Sen Gaule said it was prudent to channel the funds through local authorities to avoid abuse.
He castigated the Ministry of Constitutional and Parliamentary Affairs for not thoroughly investigating the rampant abuse of CDF by Members of the Lower House despite glaring evidence.
The Ministry, said Sen Gaule, had investigated a few selected constituencies while others have been let off the hook.

Matobo Senator Sithembile Mlotshwa echoed similar sentiments.
In response, Acting Finance Minister Gorden Moyo said it was not the finance ministry that determined disbursement modalities.

“The Ministry only allocates the money. The CDF is a new thing, it is one of the initiatives by the inclusive Government,” he said
Minister Moyo referred other questions to Minister Biti saying he could not adequately deal with them.
Some of the questions that had been raised include why Treasury had not prioritised social ministries and agriculture in the allocation of resources.

Minister Moyo, however, told senators that the country is operating on a cash budget with narrow fiscal space.
The Finance Bill and Appropriation eventually passed through Senate.
It now awaits Presidential assent.