GETTY Consultant fees used up nearly two-thirds of the £25m budget for an aid project

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The taxpayers’ cash was meant to be spent on wells, water pumps and irrigation across southern Africa. But documents reveal that £16.8million of the £25.4million budget went to consultants. Sources from the Department for International Development confirmed that staff were paid more than £600 a day – equal to £150,000 a year.

The project – called the Climate Resilient Infrastructure Development Facility – is operated by Britain’s largest aid consultancy, Adam Smith International. A review in 2014 found £5.46million of £21million for dams and irrigation was spent on consultants. The document admitted “fees may be high” and that the 550 staff weighed heavily on costs.

Today, Tory MP Nigel Evans, who sits on the Commons International Development Committee, said: “It’s an appalling waste of money and should be stopped.”

It’s an appalling waste of money and should be stopped Tory MP Nigel Evans

He called on Development Secretary Priti Patel to carry out an urgent review. Ukip MEP Margot Parker described the funding as “a shocking waste”, adding that “this sort of money should be spent in the UK where services are under huge pressure”. Mrs Parker, Ukip spokeswoman on women’s issues and equality, added: “There are refuges for victims of domestic violence having to beg for funds to stay open.

GETTY The taxpayers’ money was meant to be spent on wells and water pump across Africa

“Schools and hospitals are struggling, often with the biggest cost to women. “They should expect assistance from services they have paid into all their lives.

UK Foreign Aid: Where did it all go? Mon, January 16, 2017 Public mood changes following scandals over how the money is allocated. This is where the UK Foreign Aid was being spent in 2015. Play slideshow Getty Images 1 of 10 India = £150.4m

“I wonder at government priorities when our finances are in such a perilous state.” Recent figures revealed Britain’s annual foreign aid bill is now £12.1billion. Pakistan is the top beneficiary of Britain’s generosity in spite of it spending £2.1billion a year on nuclear arms.

GETTY Sources confirmed that staff were paid more than £600 a day