Legislators Confront Finance Minister Over Delayed...

Legislators Confront Finance Minister Over Delayed CDF Disbursements

Oscar J. Jeke- Zim Now Reporter

Members of the National Assembly on Wednesday took Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube to task over persistent delays in the disbursement of Constituency Development Funds, accusing the government of stalling crucial community projects.

The CDF is essential for grassroots development, funding infrastructure and social initiatives in constituencies. During the parliamentary session, MPs demanded clear timelines for the release of the long-overdue funds.

Lovemore Jimu opened the debate by questioning the government's policy on annual CDF disbursements. In response, Minister Ncube acknowledged administrative delays and financial constraints but assured legislators that funds would start being disbursed “soon.”

He noted that vendor numbers had already been allocated for 71 constituencies.

However, MPs expressed frustration, with Susan Matsunga highlighting that the government had failed to fulfill its promise for three years. She warned that the delays had fueled public misconceptions, with some assuming legislators were misusing the funds.

“We need a clear date for disbursement because people believe we have received the money and are mismanaging it,” Matsunga said.

Amid mounting pressure, Charlton Hwende invoked a prior parliamentary ruling on contempt, accusing the minister of misleading Parliament multiple times regarding the funds. He demanded a firm date, warning that further delays could lead to a motion of contempt against Ncube.

In response, Minister Ncube committed to beginning disbursements on April 10, explaining that cash constraints had forced the government to prioritise salaries over other expenditures.

However, MPs remained dissatisfied, questioning whether the funds would include arrears from previous years. The minister clarified that only the 2025 allocations would be disbursed.

Some legislators also raised concerns over CDF bank accounts being closed due to inactivity and urged the ministry to intervene.

Minister Ncube responded that administrative issues regarding accounts should be handled by the Clerk of Parliament but pledged to step in if banks were violating policies.