Accountability, Rule of Law and Fairness in Constituency Development Catalyst Fund (CDCF) Management in Vwawa Constituency, Tanzania

Abstract

This paper presents findings from a study which set forth to examine the governance of Constituency development Catalyst Fund. It focused on three pillars of governance which are; accountability, rule of law and fairness. The study was conducted in Vwawa constituency, in Mbozi District, Songwe Region - Tanzania. The study data were collected through semi-structure interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs) and Observation. They were later transcribed and subsequently thematically analyzed. The findings revealed that CDCF implementation was imbued with lack of accountability although villagers had chances to report all cases with fraudulent elements. Rule and regulations were observed, but in some cases were violated by some officers. CDCF distribution was fair, however, in some circumstances was influenced by some politicians. The study concludes that, absence of CDCF reports in village public notice-board jeopardizes accountability. The observation of rules and regulations is silent to all CDCF stakeholders. Fairness in the allocation of CDCF is encouraging because the needs differ from one village/ward to another. The study recommends that, it is important to have well informed citizens who can be able to hold all stake holders accountable and observe rule of law. The distribution of the funds should not be influenced by the politicians or other public officers.