CDF disbursement has serious flaws – Chenda

—-Local Government and Housing Minister, Emmanuel Chenda, said there have been serious flaws in the disbursement of Constituency Development Funds (CDF) across the country.

 

Mr Chenda attributed this to current guidelines that are used to disburse the funds saying the process is under review.

 

He said this in response to a question raised by Rufunsa Member of Parliament Kenneth Chipungu.

 

Mr Chipungu wanted to find out when  the 2013 CDF for Rufunsa Constituency will be released, what has caused the delay and whether interest will be paid considering the delay.

 

Mr Chenda said the process of disbursement is being looked into and a consultative meeting will soon be conducted to chat the way forward.

 

He said MPs will be part of that meeting as they are the major stakeholders as they are involved in the monitoring of CDF.

 

Mr Chenda, however, assured Rufunsa Constituents that the CDF will be disbursed before the end of the year as government is still sourcing funds.

 

He said all constituencies that have not been paid the 2014 CDF will get their money before the end of the year but pointed out that the funds will not attract any interest despite the delay.

 

Mr Chenda said the officers that were involved in the misappropriation of the funds meant for Rufunsa Constituency have since been arrested.

 

In August this year, K1.3 million 2013 CDF allocation, which was meant for buying a water drilling machine for Rufunsa  Constituency, was allegedly stolen by seven Ministry of  Local Government and Housing officers.