By Dickens Wasonga.
The Government has directed Members of Parliament to ensure all the projects funded under the Constituency Development Funds and the economic stimulus program are fully implemented by June next year.
Wycliffe Oparanya who is the minister for Planning and National Development and Vision 2030 said all government development initiated projects should be delivered within the project periods if the needs of the people who stand to benefit from them are to be met.
Speaking in Rarieda constituency when he toured the CDF funded projects in the area on Friday last week, the Minister said early completion of such projects also helps the government to get value for money and guard against possible attempt by some MPs to divert the funds especially during the campaign periods ahead of next year’s General Elections.
“Whether the next General Election is going to be held next year or not, my Ministry will ensure that all the projects funded under the CDF and Economic Stimulus Program {ESP} country wide are completed by June next year,” he said.
The Minister therefore urged constituency Development Fund committee officials to ensure the funds are prudently utilized before the next general elections.
Oparanya said the government lost substantial amount of money during the transition period in the last general elections where most projects stalled due to poor implementation practices.
The mister directed that funds which will not have been utilized by that deadline be returned to treasury and be channeled back to the CDF accounts after 2012 general elections.
He said all CDF accounts should be cleaned after successful completion of the projects before the next polls, adding his ministry has set aside funds that will be used to evaluate the CDF projects across the country.
The Butere MP also called upon the district commissioners to monitor the usage of the CDF projects in their jurisdiction because the kitty is just like any other government fund.
The planning minister was accompanied by MPs Dr.Oburu Oginga {Bondo} Eng. Nicholas Gumbo {Rarieda} and Jakoyo Midiwo of Gem.
Constituency Development Funds Board Chief Executive Officer Agnes Odhiambo hailed the quality of projects she visited in Rarieda constituency.
She urged ordinary citizens to monitor the CDF projects in their areas and forward any complaint regarding the misuse of the CDF Kitty to her office for action.
ENDS.