In the bustling streets of Livingstone, the call for service delivery and accountability echoes through the words of Akalemwa Stefan Sumbwa. He raises a crucial question: Why have 80% of the contracted suppliers failed to deliver? It's a poignant inquiry directed at the Livingstone City Council.
Adding fuel to the fire, a concerned citizen, Shangungu Ben Kayuma, unveils a potential scandal in Livingstone's CDF operations. As the government introduced free education in 2021, the push for desks intensified, largely funded by the Constituency Development Fund. In 2023, the Livingstone City Council made payments to 20 suppliers for over 5,000 desks, with a deadline of December 31, 2023.
Shockingly, only 4 suppliers managed to deliver a mere 450 desks, while 16 suppliers seemingly vanished with the funds. Kayuma questions the integrity of the procurement process, demanding an investigation into potential fraud during supplier selection. He points fingers at the CDF Committee, highlighting a breach in good governance with the Chairperson holding a dual role as the ruling party's District Chairperson.
The revelation sparks concern about bias in favor of the ruling party, suggesting a link between non-performing suppliers and political affiliations. Kayuma emphasizes the potential reduction of the desk shortage if the delivery had been successful, emphasizing the urgency of accountability.
In a bold call for action, Kayuma insists on naming and shaming the non-performing suppliers and advocates for their blacklisting. Livingstone's development hangs in the balance, as the community demands answers, accountability, and swift action to rectify the delays caused by unfulfilled promises and alleged fraud in the CDF system.
In the heart of Kabila ward, Mulala, Lloyd Bwalya, a disgruntled resident, looks around and shakes his head. The performance of the constituency is below par, and the dissatisfaction echoes through the neglected streets and ignored concerns.
A glaring issue is the blatant neglect of crucial areas that desperately require the utilization of Constituency Development Funds (CDF). The sorry state of the road network behind Holycross stands as a testament to years of unanswered pleas for attention. How long has that road been crying out for maintenance?
Turning attention to Mulala, it's disheartening to note that community roads have gone unnoticed for two years. The only time a road received attention was through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative, involving a foreigner who patched up a road in Nasanzu ward after the council's request for gravel.
Adding salt to the wound is the realization that even the road being worked on was for Nasanzu councilor, raising questions about fairness and equal distribution of resources. The blame is squarely placed on the minister, who seems to have failed in fully utilizing the CDF, hinting that the projects implemented might have favored certain political affiliations.
The shame deepens when examining educational projects. Despite engaging 14 companies to supply desks for schools, only one has fully delivered, leaving schools in disarray. It's a clear indication that those in charge lack a fundamental understanding of governance.
Livingstone Constituency's CDF story is one of unmet promises, neglected roads, and failed governance. The residents demand accountability and transparency to ensure that CDF benefits everyone, regardless of political affiliations. It's time for change, and the constituents won't settle for anything less than the progress they deserve.
In the heart of Akapelwa ward, Simon Chande, a vocal resident, has raised a red flag over the opaque distribution of Constituency Development Funds (CDF) in Livingstone. With a tone of frustration, Chande points out that if the CDF exists, it's certainly not transparent – alleging it's being distributed along party lines.
Having applied for assistance twice and receiving no success, Chande is adamant that the current system is flawed. He proposes a bold shift in approach – advocating for CDF to be directed towards markets to empower organized marketeers rather than groups with no fixed abode, using residential addresses as qualifiers.
Chande's words echo the sentiments of many in Livingstone, as the lack of transparency in CDF allocation becomes a pressing concern. The story unravels a narrative of frustration, repeated unsuccessful attempts, and a call for change in the way funds are distributed.
Livingstone's CDF story, as told by Simon Chande, sheds light on the need for a fair and transparent process that benefits the entire community, without the shadow of political biases. The constituency demands accountability and an overhaul of the current system to truly empower those in need.
In the heart of Mosi oa Tunya ward, a disgruntled resident, Laiven Apuleni, pulls no punches in expressing dissatisfaction with the application of Constituency Development Funds (CDF) in Livingstone. His blunt assessment is that the CDF is nothing more than a channel for UPND officials to line their pockets.
Apuleni shines a light on the companies entrusted with crucial projects, particularly in delivering desks for schools. According to him, the principles behind these companies are UPND officials, and their failure to deliver is raising eyebrows. He boldly suggests that if it were individuals affiliated with other parties, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) would have swiftly intervened.
Livingstone's CDF story, as portrayed by Laiven Apuleni, unfolds as a tale of alleged nepotism and failed deliveries. The accusations against UPND officials and their associated companies add a layer of controversy to the CDF process, demanding transparency and accountability.
The residents of Mosi oa Tunya ward are watching closely, expecting action and a fair distribution of resources that truly benefits the community rather than a select few. The call is clear – it's time to clean up the CDF and ensure it serves the people, not the political interests of a privileged few.
In the heart of Mwalibobena ward, resident Mwiya Ilyamupu sheds light on Livingstone Constituency's first encounter with decentralization, and the complexities it has unleashed. With a cautious tone, Ilyamupu explains that making an informed analysis at this stage is tricky, given the pressures engulfing key players – technocrats, civic leaders, suppliers, and the community.
This unprecedented move has sparked a hullabaloo among stakeholders, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty. Ilyamupu suggests that it might take until 2025 to have a clear picture of how decentralization truly impacts the Livingstone Constituency.
Acknowledging the catchphrase "big amounts of money," Ilyamupu reveals that the pressure is palpable. The caution exercised in handling these funds is evident, as the fear of potential abuse looms large. There's a hope, however, that this caution doesn't escalate to the point of people getting arrested.
Mwalibobena's CDF saga unfolds as a narrative of pioneering decentralization, with all its challenges and pressures. The residents await clarity, hoping that this new era will bring about positive change and development without succumbing to the pitfalls of abuse. The stakes are high, and Livingstone Constituency is navigating uncharted waters with cautious optimism.
In the resonating discontent of Livingstone Constituency, a chorus of voices emerges, each representing a ward and expressing frustration over the opaque and seemingly biased distribution of Constituency Development Funds (CDF).
Doris Banda, hailing from Mulungushi ward, unveils the reality that the CDF chairman, Christopher Siamwenya, not only holds the district chairmanship for UPND but also served as the campaign manager for the Member of Parliament (MP). The question lingers: Is the CDF just for UPND, or is it meant for every Zambian?
Tumelo Marketo, a youth from Mulungushi ward, questions the absence of their counselor and whether he knows his responsibilities. Justina Chola from Mwalibobena ward laments the lack of development, accusing leaders of favoritism in CDF distribution. Petronella Chishimba from Namatama ward questions the absence of CDF and whether it's intended for political parties or all Zambians.
Thandiwe Njovu from Mulungushi ward voices the concern that many have only heard about CDF but haven't seen its impact on the ground. Chimwemwe Banda from Mosi oa Tunya ward calls out the apparent bias in empowerment opportunities, urging leaders to recognize all Zambians. Raymond Tembo from Maramba ward questions the continuity of benefitting the same people since UPND came to power.
Jennipher Mulenga from Maramba ward emphasizes the need for leaders to share CDF, reminding them that Christmas comes once a year and that leadership is not eternal. Geoffrey Nyirenda from Libuyu ward demands truthfulness, urging leaders to give CDF to the people for development.
Yvonne Malenga from Kariba ward adds her voice, expressing frustration at the lack of transparency and the perception that only UPND members benefit from CDF. The cry resonates: What is happening with the CDF, and where is the promised development?
Livingstone Constituency is yearning for fairness, accountability, and a CDF that truly benefits all its residents, irrespective of political affiliations. The call is clear: It's time for leaders to listen and act in the best interest of every Zambian.
In the heart of Livingstone's Mwalibonena ward, John Shabwalinga pulls no punches as he reveals a troubling side to the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) saga. According to him, community leaders are creating a bottleneck by demanding contributions of K20 or K50 from those seeking CDF grants. This practice, he argues, is discouraging people from applying for grants they desperately need for various projects.
Shabwalinga argues that the people in Livingstone Constituency are not reaping the benefits of CDF due to these financial roadblocks. He criticizes the high costs associated with some projects, deeming them outrageous and beyond the scope of what was initially intended. His call is for a transparent and straightforward explanation to the community, removing unnecessary roadblocks from the application process.
Adding to the chorus of discontent is George Mukumba, also from Mwalibonena ward. He sheds light on the burdensome cost of application, which, coupled with unseen expenses, makes it nearly unbearable for residents to apply for CDF. Mukumba points out significant delays in processing applications and emphasizes the high financial burden placed on community members simply coming together to initiate projects.
Livingstone Constituency's CDF story, as told by Shabwalinga and Mukumba, paints a picture of frustration, financial barriers, and delays hindering the very development the fund was meant to facilitate. The residents demand a fair and transparent system that truly empowers the community without unnecessary financial burdens and bureaucratic obstacles.
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