By Christopher Makaza

Innovative Zanu PF Magunje Constituency House of Assembly member, Cecil Kashiri has transformed lives of people from his constituency through rehabilitating boreholes, clinics, schools and dip tanks using the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocated to him by the government, The Harare Post has learnt.

Unlike many legislators who use the funds for campaigning purposes, Honourable Kashiri has tried to address the concerns of the Magunje community. The community urgently needed cement to repair dilapidated infrastructure which included bridges, roads, dip tanks, clinics, schools and boreholes among others.

Speaking to The Harare Post, Honourable Kashiri said, “Using the $50 000 which was allocated to us, we managed to purchase 500 bags of cement which we have since distributed to institutions in need. More than 10 schools received 10 bags of cement each and these include Kebvunde, Dombo, Chiva, Mahororo, Batanai and Mudzimu primary schools.

“We also purchased 20 bags for the construction of Chitsiki Dip tank and another 20 bags for the construction of a mother`s shelter at Kapfunde clinic,” he said.

Honourable Kashiri said they had also allocated three bags of cement each for the rehabilitation of several boreholes and foot-bridges around the constituency.

For transparency sake, there is a committee responsible for the selection of beneficiaries and projects to be undertaken, said Honourable Kashiri.

“A committee was set up to oversee the management of the CDF which include traditional leaders, village and ward development committees, councillors from the four wards of our constituency and residents. This team is responsible for selection of beneficiaries and drafting of possible projects which the funds can be used for.

Under the CDF, MPs are expected to lead in the planning and execution of local and community projects with immediate impact to the livelihood of the communities.

Magunje constituency officer, Sithembiso Madiro expressed gratitude over the CDF. However, he said there was need for the upward review of the fund as more crucial infrastructure development projects still need attention.

“There is need for the government to increase the CDF. We have since exhausted our allocation for this year and more projects still need attention. The CDF we received has gone a long way in assisting us to attend to some of the projects,” she said.