— Parliament calls for stiffer penalties on CDF abusers

Parliament calls for stiffer penalties on CDF abusers

LUSAKA, July 24,2014,ZANIS—— Parliament has called for stiffer punishment on individuals abusing Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

Ruling PF Chongwe MP Sylvia Masebo submitted that the Fund is viewed for politicians and not for development.

Ms. Masebo however, said the MPs were not getting value for the Fund.

She called for training of staff in all councils across the country on managing the fund effectively since they are the ones handling the CDF.

She added that Council have gone to the extent of abusing grants they receive from the treasury(Central government).

The Chongwe MP was contributing to the motion of Report of Public Accounts Committee, Report of Auditor General and Management of CDF and financial year dated 31st December, 2012 in parliament, today.

And opposition MMD Nalikwanda MP Geoffrey Lungwangwa says there is a serious break-down system in the administration of public funds.

Professor Lungwangwa said the abuse in the Fund has translated into the people being subjected to poverty among the youths, women and children in society.

He however said MPs should be blamed for rampant mis-management of the Fund but the Councils and yet there are guidelines to the Fund.

Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda said those who abuse the Fund should be exposed as government is being frustrated by the perpetrators.

Mr. Chikwanda challenged the law-makers in the House to rise to the occasion and stop the scams surrounding public funds.

He called for serious measures be put in place in arresting the linkages in the administration of CDF.

The Minister early this week announced that Government would release the remaining balance of K122.6 million in September this year to those areas that did not receive the Fund.

PAC Chairman and MMD Chipangali MP Vincent Mwale said people should not just wait for the Report by the Auditor General Dr. Anna Chifungula but report anyone abusing the CDF.

Meanwhile, Parliament has unanimously adopted the Report of Public Accounts Committee, Report of Auditor General and Management of CDF and financial year dated 31st December, 2012.

The motion was moved by PF Bwana Mkubwa constituency and Local Government and Housing Minister, Emmanuel Chenda.