NGOs are being used to challenge National Government Constituency Development Fund Lazaro

Saboti MP David Lazaro has added his voice to the chorus of legislators supporting the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NGCDF) Act, saying that CDF funds driven much development at the grassroots.

Speaking to the public in Machewa Ward, the MP alleged that governors were using non-governmental organisations to campaign for the retention of CDF cash.

“Some NGOs went to court seeking to have CDF funds given to governors, and the same governors have asked to be enjoined in that suit. You can clearly see who the NGOs are working for! But we will not let that happen. We will fight it to the end” Lazaro stated.

His remarks come after a section of activists took to court to challenge the legality of the NGCDF, alleging that this law effectively creates a third level of government.

On 21 June, a section of legislators asked the court to dismiss the case saying that should the kitty be scrapped, there is a high probability that socio-economic rights of wananchi will be violated.

The court is yet to issue a ruling on the matter.

MPs passed the NGCDF Act in 2015 and made it a new organ of the National Government after the court ruled that only counties are mandated to undertake development at the local level.