Mudenda urges MPs to tighten budget oversight under Constitution and finance laws

Mudenda urges MPs to tighten budget oversight under Constitution and finance laws

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Speaker of the National Assembly Advocate Jacob Mudenda has called for stronger parliamentary oversight of Zimbabwe’s national budget, saying lawmakers need continuous capacity building to properly analyse spending plans and monitor how public money is used.

Addressing a budget analysis seminar for Members of Parliament, Mudenda said legislators must understand the budget process in depth so that resources are allocated fairly and directed to areas that improve citizens’ lives.

“In the process of analysis, it is important that the budget addresses the question of the poor, areas where development appears to be lacking in terms of roads, health delivery services, education and water supplies. It is critical that Members of Parliament understand the dynamics regarding what the budget ought to address,” he said.

Mudenda said MPs should also scrutinise whether funds are distributed equitably across the country, in line with the principle of proportional development.

“They are also looking at the issue of equity and the question of proportional disbursement of the allocated funds so that every corner of the country is taken care of under the principle of proportionality in development,” he said.

He urged MPs to be guided by their constitutional and legal mandates, citing Section 118(3) of the Constitution as well as provisions of the Public Finance Management Act, particularly on the requirement for monthly, quarterly and annual reports.

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Mudenda added that Parliament’s role does not end with approving the national budget, but includes following up on implementation to ensure programmes are delivered efficiently, transparently and in line with national development priorities.

Parliament has been running budget analysis seminars involving various portfolio committees, aimed at strengthening MPs’ ability to interrogate budget proposals, monitor expenditure and promote accountability in public finance management.

Organisers say the training is intended to improve lawmakers’ capacity to advocate for equitable distribution of resources across all provinces while supporting national development programmes.

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