Reps Plan Legal Framework For Constituency Projects
…New law to ensure even development of federal constituencies – Dogara
BY AMOS DUNIA, ABUJA – Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Yakubu Dogara says the House has concluded plans to institute a legal framework for the execution of Zonal/Constituency intervention projects across the country.
Dogara, who announced this at the public hearing on a Bill to establish the Constituencies Development Fund (CDF), which took place at the National Assembly, said the modalities of the proposed fund seeks to streamline the management and implementation of constituencies development fund in the country.
He said decisions on projects to be implemented will, however, remain with the various constituencies through the Constituency Development Project Advisory Committees (CDPAC) that will be set up for each Federal Constituency and Senatorial district.
“One of the objectives of this Bill is to put in place a mechanism that will enhance the participation of citizens in the judicious utilization of funds that would bring about socio-economic development with accountability in our various constituencies,” Dogara said.
The Speaker further said that when passed into law, the Bill will address concerns over Constituency/Zonal intervention projects that are supposed to be a vehicle for rural and urban development.
Speaking on likely benefits, Dogara said the bill will also encourage grassroots participation in governance, thereby “creating a legal framework for the administration, management, monitoring and evaluation of funds in the constituencies.”
