Auditors fail to check usage of Constituency Development Fund after being threatened by MPs

The Ministry confirmed that the 53 constituencies had not submitted bank statements at the time of audit. However, the internal audit subsequently audited 44 of the 53 constituencies leaving out nine constituencies which had no bank statements. The Committee was informed that Constituency Committees headed by National Assembly Members of Parliament were responsible for the administration of the CDF funds and the Ministry had no role.

The Ministry officials indicated that they encountered a lot of resistance as they tried to audit some of the constituencies. Considering that these were public funds appropriated through an act of Parliament, the Members of Parliament who resisted the audit of the funds were in violation of the provisions of the Section 80 (3) (a) of the Public Finance Management Act [Chapter 22:19]. The Act requires internal auditors to have free access at all reasonable times to any records, books, vouchers, documents and public resources under the control of the Ministry or reporting unit concerned.

The officials pointed out that they could receive information on projects being implemented on paper and the moment they make an attempt to go and physically check the projects, they were threatened by Members of Parliament. They reported the alleged threats to the then Minister of Constitutional and Parliamentary Affairs but to no avail. This kind of behaviour also puts the name of Parliament, as an oversight institution, in disrepute.

Below is a list of constituencies and the sitting Members of Parliament whose bank statements were not availed for audit.

Nkayi North                        Honourable S. Nyoni;

Shamva South                   Honourable N. Goche;

Marondera West             Honourable Brig. A. Mutinhiri;

Zvimba South                    Honourable W. F. Chidhakwa;

Zvimba East                        Honourable P. Zhuwao;

Zvimba North                    Honourable I. Chombo;

Sanyati                                 Honourable Mrs F. Chaderopa;

Hurungwe North              Honourable Mr P. Chanetsa; and

Harare South                     Honourable H. M. Nyanhongo.

Continued next page

(304 VIEWS)