Parliament has announced that the treasury has allocated funds for the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) for the 2024 financial year, providing each constituency with US$50,000. The CDF was introduced during the inclusive government to assist Members of Parliament in fostering development within their constituencies.
According to CDF law, only legislators in the National Assembly who represent constituencies directly are eligible to receive these funds. Zimbabwe’s Parliament comprises 360 legislators (National Assembly and Senate), but only 210 directly represent constituencies.
In a recent statement, Parliament indicated that legislators can now begin submitting project proposals for consideration.
“Following the presentation of the Mid-Term Budget and Economic Review Statement on July 25, 2024, Treasury has availed US$50,000 per constituency as part of the Constituency Development Fund. Honourable Members may submit their projects for consideration before November 30, 2024, to Mr. Mbiri or Ms. Munemo, Office 105, First Floor, New Parliament Building,” the statement read.
However, returning MPs face a requirement: they must acquit previous allocations before accessing new funding.
“All returning Members of Parliament who have not submitted their returns are encouraged to do so prior to accessing new funds. Furthermore, Honourable Members are expected to implement CDF projects promptly after funds are deposited to ensure timely completion,” Parliament stated.
Due to past abuses of the fund, MPs must submit project proposals before accessing the money and must account for how the funds are utilized. Several MPs could not access funding in previous years due to inadequate project proposals.
