CDF bill gathers dust for 8 years
It has been eight years since the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Bill was tabled in parliament, yet the bill is still awaiting a cabinet decision, with some arguing that the delay is linked to the state of the economy.
The bill, which is an initiative of the National Council and was tabled on 18 February 2014, aims to fast-track developmental activities at constituency level and address the issue of some constituencies being marginalised in terms of project funding.
Namibian Sun has been informed that part of the bill proposes that two percent of the national budget should be allocated directly to the constituencies through the CDF.
The slow progress on the bill has been repeatedly questioned during President Hage Geingob’s State of the Nation Address (Sona) question-and-answer session and other joint sittings of Parliament.
Geingob has not answered this question publicly, even during this year’s Sona when Aminuis constituency councillor Peter Kazongominja asked about the progress of the bill.
Kazongominja said it was crucial for the CDF bill to be passed, citing the challenges experienced by constituency councillors.
Ongoing talks
When contacted for comment, the urban and rural development ministry’s executive director, Daniel Nghidinua, said a final decision on the bill would be made during the current financial year.
“We record that the National Council submitted the draft bill to the office of the attorney-general towards the end of 2015 and the document was in turn subsequently referred to this ministry," Nghindinua said.
“As you would know or appreciate, bills are drafted and follow a prescribed law-making process, which involves consultations with stakeholders. In respect of the specific bill in question, several rounds of consultations took place between ministry and the National Council with a view to agreeing on a layman’s draft.
“Beyond the National Council and MURD, consultations have also taken place with other decision-making structures in government, including relevant cabinet committees. "These consultations are ongoing and it is expected that the final stage and decision on the bill will be made known in due course during this financial year.”
Budgets
The bill was prompted by the constant criticism that regional constituency offices are not spearheading development.
However, constituency offices have limited budgets and the funding for capital projects comes from the central government when resources allow.
Communities often complain about a lack of clean water and electricity, to which constituency councillors respond that they have made proposals to central government and are waiting for feedback.
That is why the constituency councillors who make up the National Council saw the need for such a fund to be created.
Regional consultations were held prior to the tabling of the bill and the response was positive.
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The bill, which is an initiative of the National Council and was tabled on 18 February 2014, aims to fast-track developmental activities at constituency level and address the issue of some constituencies being marginalised in terms of project funding.
Namibian Sun has been informed that part of the bill proposes that two percent of the national budget should be allocated directly to the constituencies through the CDF.
The slow progress on the bill has been repeatedly questioned during President Hage Geingob’s State of the Nation Address (Sona) question-and-answer session and other joint sittings of Parliament.
Geingob has not answered this question publicly, even during this year’s Sona when Aminuis constituency councillor Peter Kazongominja asked about the progress of the bill.
Kazongominja said it was crucial for the CDF bill to be passed, citing the challenges experienced by constituency councillors.
Ongoing talks
When contacted for comment, the urban and rural development ministry’s executive director, Daniel Nghidinua, said a final decision on the bill would be made during the current financial year.
“We record that the National Council submitted the draft bill to the office of the attorney-general towards the end of 2015 and the document was in turn subsequently referred to this ministry," Nghindinua said.
“As you would know or appreciate, bills are drafted and follow a prescribed law-making process, which involves consultations with stakeholders. In respect of the specific bill in question, several rounds of consultations took place between ministry and the National Council with a view to agreeing on a layman’s draft.
“Beyond the National Council and MURD, consultations have also taken place with other decision-making structures in government, including relevant cabinet committees. "These consultations are ongoing and it is expected that the final stage and decision on the bill will be made known in due course during this financial year.”
Budgets
The bill was prompted by the constant criticism that regional constituency offices are not spearheading development.
However, constituency offices have limited budgets and the funding for capital projects comes from the central government when resources allow.
Communities often complain about a lack of clean water and electricity, to which constituency councillors respond that they have made proposals to central government and are waiting for feedback.
That is why the constituency councillors who make up the National Council saw the need for such a fund to be created.
Regional consultations were held prior to the tabling of the bill and the response was positive.
[email protected]
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