By Mcasiseli Brandon Gwaza
The Constituency Development Fund (CDF) has brought relief to Matobo-Mangwe, following the government’s disbursement of US$50 000 to support local development projects.
Member of Parliament Hon. Madalaboy Ndebele, who chairs the CDF Committee, has been commended for promoting transparency and inclusive decision-making by involving councillors and community leaders in project planning.
According to Ndebele, the committee agreed to allocate the funds towards drilling and solarising boreholes across all 16 wards, a move aimed at mitigating the area’s persistent water shortages.
“The community identified the boreholes to be solarised, ensuring the projects address their specific needs,” said Ndebele. “This participatory approach strengthens accountability and promotes ownership of local initiatives.”
Councilor Mxolisi Ncube of Ward 4 praised the initiative, saying, “I am thrilled to see our community leaders making informed decisions that benefit our people. Tackling the water crisis head-on is a top priority, and I’m confident that this initiative will bring relief to our residents. Hon. Ndebele and the CDF Committee deserve credit for their transparency and commitment to community-driven projects.”
Ward 20 Councillor Feluna Ncube also expressed appreciation but appealed for more development in health infrastructure. “While we appreciate the water project, our ward urgently needs a clinic. I urge the MP and the CDF Committee to consider allocating funds for this critical project in the next CDF cycle,” she said.
CDF guidelines set by Parliament are being strictly followed to prevent corruption and mismanagement. All payments are made to registered suppliers and approved by both the committee and the MP.
Residents have expressed gratitude to the government for sustaining the CDF initiative, which they say empowers communities to address their own development priorities.
The constituency aims to complete all borehole projects by the end of November 2025.
However, community members have appealed for an increase in CDF allocations to at least US$1 million per constituency to address other pressing needs, including classrooms, teacher cottages, clinics, community halls and youth centres.