By Patience Rashai

Mabvuku - Tafara district assembly is up in arms against their constituency legislator, James Chidhakwa, over embezzlement of Constituency Development Fund (CDF) meant to refurbish roads in the area.

Fuming over the abuse of taxpayers money, the district assembly led by Munyaradzi Kufahakutizwe is said to have summoned an emergency meeting to coerce Chidhakwa to account for the missing ZW $250 000 for this year (2020) as well as ZW $50 000 balance from 2019.

“This constituency has been developing well under the patronage of Maridadhi, but ever since this guy took office he has been doing nothing other than enriching himself,” lamented one Taona Makwenzi from the constituency.

“The meeting still yielded to nothing leading to Chidhakwa being given a deadline to submit a report detailing his (mis) use of funds,” he added.

Among the indictments, he was also being accused of side-lining district assemblies and councillors for that constituency, and especially youths who believe to be the torch bearers of the party.

“CDF funds are meant for projects such as boreholes, construction and repairs of roads, dip tanks, libraries, refurbishment of schools and clinics, including income-generating projects for youths like us, yet he is busy developing his rural home,” said one youth.

MDC legislators have had issues with CDF since it was introduced in 2008. However, despite the fact that parliament came up with a CDF constitution which stipulates how MPs should use these funds MDC legislators continue with such misconduct, with former MDC Pumula legislator, Albert Mhlanga being among the many involved in such.