Parliamentary Audit Flags ZWG204,091.69 Variance in Chiredzi West CDF

A parliamentary audit has flagged a ZWG204,091.69 variance in Chiredzi West CDF spending, citing undocumented expenditures and the use of a personal bank account for public funds (image source)

MOUNT HAMPDEN — A parliamentary audit has raised serious concerns over the management of Constituency Development Fund (CDF) resources in Chiredzi West after uncovering a ZWG204,091.69 expenditure variance that auditors say could not be supported by documentation. The audit also flagged the use of a sitting legislator’s personal bank account for handling public funds.

The audit, conducted between 21 and 24 October 2025, examined the utilisation of ZWG1,332,430 (approximately US$50,000) allocated to Chiredzi West for nine development projects. Its findings were formally submitted to the Clerk of Parliament, the CDF Management Committee, the Accountant General and the Auditor-General.

According to the report, the constituency’s Member of Parliament, Hon. Darlington Chiwa, transferred the full CDF allocation into his personal bank account, allegedly to “facilitate swipe transactions.” Auditors noted that the move was undertaken without documented approval from the Constituency Development Committee (CDC), contrary to CDF governance requirements.

A reconciliation of bank statements and available invoices showed that ZWG1,149,532.14 was spent on materials, labour and transport, while ZWG55,527.50 was attributed to exchange-rate variances incurred when converting funds to meet United States dollar obligations. However, auditors said ZWG204,091.69 could not be verified due to missing or incomplete supporting documentation.

During a site inspection at Batanai Primary School, auditors observed six angle-iron bars but were not provided with invoices to support the purchase. The MP reportedly informed auditors that he had paid US$1,500 for carpentry work and US$600 for plastering, but no proof of payment was produced at the time of inspection.

The audit also identified ZWG8,081.90 spent on ancillary expenses and noted incomplete accounting for the full ZWG66,621.50 allowed for administrative costs under the CDF constitution. At Monyoroka Primary School in Ward 27, only 10 of the 16 ZESA poles allocated for electrification had been delivered when auditors visited the site.

The report recommends that Hon. Chiwa and the CDC urgently submit complete documentation for all CDF expenditures, formally update Parliament on any project scope adjustments, and immediately discontinue the use of personal bank accounts for managing public funds. It further calls for enhanced oversight mechanisms to ensure strict compliance with CDF governance rules.

Contacted for comment, Hon. Chiwa dismissed the audit findings as politically motivated, saying he had already submitted supporting evidence to Parliament to explain the variance. “Beware of some elements within our party who are bent on causing divisions,” he said. Efforts to obtain comment from ZANU-PF Masvingo provincial chairperson Robson Mavhenyengwa were unsuccessful.

The audit has renewed scrutiny over transparency and accountability in the administration of constituency development funds, with governance advocates calling for stronger controls, timely public disclosure and sanctions where misuse is established. Parliament is expected to review the findings and determine appropriate follow-up action.