Kawambwa Town Council Empowers Entrepreneurs with K7.3 Million Under 2023 CDF
Kawambwa Town Council, as part of its commitment to fostering local development and empowering communities, has distributed a total of K7,327,458.00 to 40 beneficiaries through the government’s Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
The disbursement, designated under the 2023 CDF loans empowerment component, was formally presented at a vibrant ceremony hosted at the Kawambwa Public Square.
According to Kashi Joel Norman, the Public Relations Officer, 20 business groups and individuals from Kawambwa Central Constituency received a total of K3,734,029.00, while Pambashe Constituency saw 20 beneficiaries receive K3,593,429.00.
The recipients span various sectors including lodge and restaurant business, cattle rearing, agro business, block making, food processing, transport and logistics, and milling projects.
Luapula Province Minister, Honourable Njavwa Simutowe, officiated the handover ceremony and underscored the government’s commitment to decentralization as a crucial driver for development.
He emphasized that the CDF aimed to create an enabling environment for holistic development at the constituency level, allowing local communities to make choices and implement projects that enhance their well-being.
Minister Simutowe highlighted the government’s dedication to empowering communities, ensuring that resources are provided to improve livelihoods and create opportunities for all citizens.
The substantial amount awarded to beneficiaries demonstrates the government’s commitment to meeting basic needs and fostering an environment for Zambia to achieve middle-income status by 2030.
The Minister urged civic leaders, Ward Development Committees, and Local Authority staff to engage in extensive sensitization and community outreach to ensure that eligible Zambians benefit from the CDF.
He further appealed to the beneficiaries to use the funds judiciously for their intended purposes.
Kawambwa Town Council Chairperson, Kalumba Chifumbe, revealed that the Local Authority sponsored 552 pupils to various boarding schools in 2023 and pledged to double the number of beneficiaries in 2024 under the secondary school boarding component.
He emphasized the commitment to President Hakainde Hichilema’s directive of ensuring no learner sits on the floor, revealing that the Local Authority procured 6,574 school desks in 2023, with distribution ongoing.
Mr. Chifumbe also disclosed that the Local Authority sponsored 970 students for various skills training programs, supporting 144 groups and cooperatives engaged in livestock rearing, fish farming, tailoring, and agribusiness.
