TSHOLOTSHO North legislator Libion Sibanda (CCC) has expressed concern over the sidelining of elected opposition councillors in development programmes saying this is stifling progress in communities.
In an interview this week, Sibanda told Southern Eye that it is difficult for councillors and legislators to push their development programmes because they are being blocked.
He, however, encouraged the opposition parties to pursue their projects for the benefit of the people who voted them into office.
“We know it is hard because our competitors put boundaries on us, but we will by fire and by force step on those so that we benefit as well as the party,” he said.
“We know that we have a drought this year, but whatever they will distribute to us, we will share and no one is going to go hungry.
“We will work together. Let us get closer to where there is development, let us be found there. Let us members be found as the caretakers.”
He called on members to participate in developmental projects in their areas.
Sibanda said they were waiting to see if they would be sidelined on other projects, including those under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
“As it is right now, we were asked to submit proposals to CDF by Parliament. I guess we will see if the opponent is going to sideline us from the developmental projects,” Sibanda said.
However, the Parliament of Zimbabwe has announced that Treasury has availed US$50 000 to each constituency as part of CDF.
In a statement on Tuesday, Parliament said legislators should start submitting their projects for consideration before November 30 this year.
“All returning Members of Parliament who have not submitted their returns are encouraged to first acquit before accessing new funding,” the statement read.
“Furthermore, members are required to start implementing CDF projects as soon as funds are deposited in their accounts so that projects do not take long to complete.”