Six districts mismanage CDCF fund

Researchers have attributed poor governance as a major cause of mismanagement of funds allocated for the Constituency Development Catalyst Fund (CDCF) in the country.

The researchers cited four major priority areas outlined in the CDCF, namely rule of law, accountability, participation and equity based on a three-month study done in six constituencies.

The constituencies are Karatu, Siha, Lindi Urban, Kinondoni, Singida West and Kilosa Central, where the score was below 50 per cent.

Kenny Manara presented the report on behalf of fellow researchers at a breakfast talk organised by the Policy Forum.

The REPOA’s research consultant said the bank accounts have not been opened in the six districts for the allocated fund to facilitate auditing work since it was established in 2009.

The Policy Forum discussed “The shortcut to community progress?” Researchers worked with REPOA and accomplished the task between September and November of 2014/15.

Elaborating on four major roles under which the fund operates, the report concluded that only 50 per cent of implementation was recorded in areas targeted to show the fund effectiveness.

The report findings state that there is poor governance with regard to the effectiveness of the fund. It connotes that accountability is vague.

This is because of lack of proper accounting records that could show expenditure to give a clear report of auditing.

The researchers concluded that chairpersons, (Elected MPs), used the money mostly for personal gain without targeting the purpose for which the fund was established.

Citing 2010 general election, Manara said most MPs used the fund to print their pictures on T-Shirts they distributed during the campaign.

The report concluded the objectives were violated becuse the district development committees do not incorporate villagers in meetings at ward levels.

The report found all decisions under the fund are passed at district level, excluding villagers, which is contrary to regulations of the fund.

On equity, most projects are not accomplished once passed which entrenches  poverty among the fund’s beneficiaries most of whom are low income people.

A participant, Benadetha Bungulu, suggested that Tanzania needs to amend the laws to get rid of MPs who misuse money targeted for people’s development.

She added that Parliament should form a committee to monitor developments under which the money is spent, and people in a constituency should be incorporated.

The fund, established by an Act of Parliament, is for facilitating development projects like construction of water wells, dispensaries and purchase of school desks. Elected MPs are the fund’s chairpersons.