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NewsDay

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CDF scandal: MPs named

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The government yesterday released the names of 10 legislators who failed to account for their Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocations and some of them now face prosecution. Constitutional and Parliamentary Affairs minister Eric Matinenga told journalists the MPs, six from Zanu PF and four from MDC-T, failed to submit returns to prove the $50 000 […]

The government yesterday released the names of 10 legislators who failed to account for their Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocations and some of them now face prosecution.

Constitutional and Parliamentary Affairs minister Eric Matinenga told journalists the MPs, six from Zanu PF and four from MDC-T, failed to submit returns to prove the $50 000 each got from the CDF in 2010 was used for developmental projects in their constituencies.

Ministers who have failed to account for the funds were identified as National Healing, Reconciliation and Integration co-minister Sekai Holland (MDC-T Senator, Mabvuku/Tafara), Public Service minister Lucia Matibenga (MDC-T MP, Kuwadzana) and Deputy Minister of Health and Child Welfare Douglas Mombeshora (Zanu PF MP, Mhangura).

The other MPs are Edward Chindori-Chininga (Zanu PF, Guruve South), Peter Chanetsa (Zanu PF, Hurungwe North), Lawrence Mavima (Zanu PF, Zvishavane-Runde), Naison Nemadziva (MDC-T, Buhera South), Franco Ndambakuwa (Zanu PF, Magunje) and Abraham Sithole (Zanu PF, Chiredzi East).

MDC-T’s Kariba MP Cleopas Machacha has reportedly failed to satisfy an audit of the funds.

“The majority of MPs complied and as I speak 95% submitted their returns, but the submission of returns does not necessarily mean CDF funds were used or not used for the intended purpose, hence the need for an audit exercise,” Matinenga said.

“Out of the 65 internal audits done, satisfactory responses have not been received from four constituencies — St Mary’s, Hurungwe North, Magunje and Kariba — and these matters have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for their information, and, where appropriate, further investigation.”

Finance minister Tendai Biti introduced the CDF in 2010 for development of constituencies.

The fund is managed by MPs and senators, but there have been complaints that a number of legislators abused the money to line their pockets.

Matinenga has warned that those who fail to account for the money would not be considered for the next allocation.