Constituency projects: Reps’ panel vows full tracking

The House of Representatives committee on constituency outreach has explained that mechanism is being put in place to ensure better tracking and full implementation of members’ zonal intervention projects.

Addressing newsmen Monday in Abuja, Chairman of the committee, Hon. Bello Kaoje, who disclosed that the committee had only recently concluded a retreat for members, noted also that all members of House were recently given forms to indicate the location of their respective constituency offices.

He however lamented the poor release of funds for execution of the constituency projects, stressing that just about 30 percent of the 2019 allocation for such had been released to date, adding that “this is not good enough”.

According the lawmaker, the takeaway from the retreat as contained in the communique released after were for the committee “to utilise its powers and mandate to ensure proper education and improve citizens understanding of constituency projects and effective ways of engaging lawmakers on constituency project implementation. This will build public trust and promote democratic accountability.  

“To ensure proper implementation and release of funds for members’ constituency projects in line with the demands of their constituents. The committee also commits to provide an updated database of constituency projects as allocated in the Appropriation Act annually for ease of monitoring and assessment of constituency projects, and;

“To deploy its oversight powers to ensure that members set up functional constituency offices as statutorily required. This will enable effective communication between constituents and their representatives and deepen legislative accountability. The Committee is committed to promoting regular engagement between constituents and their representatives to promote inclusive governance.”

He however denied knowledge of members registering companies to implement their constituency projects, stressing that the executive arm through MDAs was responsible for such implementation.

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