Hands off office furniture, govt warns on CDC funds

DODOMA: FUNDS from the Constituency Development Catalyst Fund (CDCF) are strictly reserved for development projects and related monitoring activities and cannot be used for office furniture or routine administrative expenses, the government has clarified.

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PMORALG), Dr Festo Dugange, told the National Assembly yesterday that while local government authorities are allowed to use a small portion of the fund for supervision and monitoring of projects, it must not be used for purchasing office furniture.

He was responding to a basic question from Lulindi Member of Parliament Issa Mchungahela (CCM), who sought clarification on whether part of the fund could be allocated to office furniture and project followup activities.

Dr Dugange explained that the Constituency Development Catalyst Fund supports community-driven development initiatives identified through the Opportunities and Obstacles to Development (O&OD) planning approach and approved by local councils.

He said the fund was established under the Constituencies Development Catalyst Fund Act, Cap. 96, enacted by Parliament in 2009, which also provides for the formation of constituency development committees.

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“The law clearly outlines eligible projects, including community-based initiatives that benefit a large number of residents, development projects involving planning, design and technical inputs and infrastructure and social services such as schools, dispensaries, feeder roads, water projects and cooperative farming,” he said.

Responding to a supplementary question on allowable expenditure, Dr Dugange reiterated that the fund does not permit the purchase of office furniture for Members of Parliament.

“This fund is strictly for implementing development projects initiated by citizens through local authorities. However, a small portion is allowed for supervision and monitoring,” he said.

He noted that between two and five per cent of the funds may be used for project implementation support and monitoring activities.

Dr Dugange added that the government has other funding mechanisms that can be used to improve office facilities for Members of Parliament.

“We have alternative arrangements to ensure MPs operate in conducive office environments,” he said, assuring Parliament that the government will continue improving systems to enhance working conditions for legislators.