By Isaac Zulu
Private Sector Developmental Association chairperson Yusuf Dodia has argued that the Constituency Development Fund should not be channeled towards the empowerment of small scale businesses.
In an interview, Dodia described the channeling of Constituency Development Funds towards the empowerment of small scale businesses as a misapplication of public resources, stressing that CDF resources should be specifically be allocated for
developmental projects in Constituencies.
“I think that the CDF application should have some clarity. From description and my perspective, CDF is meant for funding projects such markets, ablution blocks, and construction of classroom blocks in schools. But unfortunately, these funds appear to be used for other ventures such as empowerment loans and grants for small scale businesses. And I, personally, think that channeling CDF funds to small scale businesses is a misapplication of public resources,” Dodia said.
He said that government should endeavour to ensure that there is clarity on the application of Constituency Development Funds, so as to ensure that there is transparency in the utilisation of the same funds.
“I am of the view that the government should give clarity on the application and utilisation of Constituency Development Funds. We need to avoid this uphazard application and utilisation of public financial resources; for transparency purposes,” he said.
Dodia further observed that there is lack of capacity on the part of Constituency Development Fund committees and local authorities to administer the said funds, which he said has aptly been acknowledged by Finance Minister Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane.
“You are aware that the Minister of Finance acknowledged and complained that there is no capacity at Constituency level and local authority to administer and manage Constituency Development Funds. Meaning that there is no competent staff to ensure effective and efficient utilisation of the Constituency Development Funds in these Constituencies,” said Dodia.
Dodia also proposed for enhanced capacity building among Constituency Development Fund committees and local authority staff in order to accelerate the execution of CDF funded projects.
