Government give K3.2 million to each constituency

CHIPATA – The New Dawn Government, with help from the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, has set aside K3.2 million for every constituency in the country. This money is meant to help improve feeder roads in different constituencies and chiefdoms, where bad road conditions are still a big problem.

The money, which is part of the K36.1 million Constituency Development Fund, is aimed at enhancing rural connectivity in the constituencies.

Speaking during a consultative meeting with the House of Chiefs in Eastern Province, Permanent Secretary for Technical Services in the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr. Nicolas Phiri, said:

“We have recognised the serious challenge in rural areas with the road network. This is why K3.2 million has been allocated per constituency.”

He also announced that Eastern Province has received K641,200,564 specifically for this purpose.

Mr. Phiri urged traditional leaders to take a keen interest in identifying critical roads in their areas, saying: “Your involvement is vital to ensure the roads that matter most are worked on urgently.”

He further revealed that 3,332 students had benefited from CDF bursaries and that under the Cash for Work programme, Eastern Province had reached 251,918 beneficiaries with a disbursement of K188,147,540.

Mr. Phiri also announced the commissioning of motorbikes to improve transport in chiefdoms and that retainers would be trained by the Zambia National Service to improve service delivery.

Welcoming the development, House of Chiefs Chairperson Chief Mnukwa, representing 42 out of 56 chiefs, commended the province for achieving 86% CDF utilisation.

“Let us be united and support the government’s efforts for a better Zambia,” he said. However, he cautioned: “This money should not end up in councils for individuals’ allowances