Development funds torch storm

reportedly failing to account for the US$50 000 allocated to each of them last year.
There are allegations that some of the MPs especially from Manicaland bought lorries for transporting fresh farm produce.
Constitutional and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Eric Matinenga yesterday acknowledged receiving such reports but said these were “mere allegations”.
Minister Matinenga said the on-going audit had not unearthed any irregularities.
“These are mere allegations as the audit reports have not unearthed anything in that regard. I don’t know where people are getting this from.
“If allegations of abuse of funds crop up anywhere, we quickly direct our teams there to establish the problem,” he said.
Zanu-PF Mashonaland East provincial chairman Cde Ray Kaukonde however, warned legislators against abusing Government and party funds.
Speaking at the unveiling of Constituency Development Fund projects in Mutoko on Saturday, Cde Kaukonde said he would not condone MPs who embarrass the party by abusing funds meant for development.
The allegations of rampant abuse of the fund had seen some disgruntled residents and party members besieging the residence of St Mary’s MP, Mr Marvellous Khumalo last Friday.
Some legislators were allegedly excluding councillors in the disbursement and management of the funds.
They are accused of preferring to work with a selected few “favourite councillors” in violation of the fund’s requirements.
While some legislators have put the money into good use, the same cannot be said about other MPs whose lifestyles have suddenly changed raising eyebrows on their source of money.
MDC-T youths who besieged Mr Khumalo’s home last Friday demanded to be paid more than US$4 000 allegedly owed to them after being contracted to clean drainage systems in the constituency.
The youths threatened to sleep over at the MP’s house after persistent visits produced nothing. They said Mr Khumalo had promised to give them the money last Friday.
“We had been promised US$5 a day and our money had accumulated to US$100 per individual. We tried to get in touch but he was no longer reachable on his mobile.
“We failed to locate him at his house and since today is the 20th, we are going to sleep here until we are given our dues,” said one youth who preferred anonymity.
The MP was in Victoria Falls on Parliament business last Friday.
But Mr Khumalo said the issue was being addressed at constituency level.
The legislator, while acknowledging the debt, said he had not directly dealt with the residents as they had been contracted by a local councillor.
“I have acknowledged the debt which arose from a lot of work that had to be done thereby stretching available funds. I have however, told them that we will pay them the money as soon as we get this year’s disbursement,” said Mr Khumalo.
In his address at the weekend, Cde Kaukonde warned Zanu-PF legislators from abusing the fund.
“Government will be sending auditors to investigate how the Constituency Development Fund was used and as a party we don’t want to be embarrassed when they come and find that you did not use the money for its purpose.
“We hear that in other parts Constituency Development Fund money is being used to buy party chairmen suits so that they can vote for them during primary elections.
“If auditors find that funds have been misappropriated, it is the name of the party that will be damaged. The auditors will be coming very soon.
“We also hear that there are some officials who are abusing money from the sale of party cards, the net will be closing in on them as well,” Cde Kaukonde said.
Mutoko East MP, Cde Ordo Nyakudanga said the fund had been used in the entire constituency’s wards.
Among some of the projects were a shoe making machine, building houses for teachers, constructing dip tanks and building clinics.
“I know you were told that the Constituency Development Fund is being used to buy suits but I say, we are using the funds for development purposes. I welcome auditors because I know my hands are clean,” Cde Nyakudanga said.
The Ministry of Finance established the Constituency Development Fund in the 2010 National Budget where legislators would get US$50 000 from the US$8 million allocated for developing their areas.