The Livingstone City Council has reported significant progress in the implementation of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) for 2024, highlighting key achievements across various sectors aimed at improving community welfare and fostering economic empowerment.
William Chifunilo, the Socio-economic Planner at the Livingstone City Council, outlined the ongoing initiatives under the CDF, emphasizing the fund's critical role in driving local development.
"The Constituency Development Fund is the backbone of our efforts to uplift the lives of our people," Chifunilo stated.
"It enables us to address pressing community needs, from infrastructure to health services, and we are committed to making every Kwacha count."
Chifunilo provided an update on the 22 community projects that have been approved and are currently underway, with a strong focus on enhancing infrastructure.
"One of our top priorities is the construction of a staff house at Katubya Primary School in Simoonga Ward," he said.
"This project will not only improve the living conditions of teachers but also contribute to a more conducive learning environment for students."
In Zambezi Ward, a 370-meter-long stone-pitched trapezoidal drainage system is being constructed to tackle water drainage issues.
"This project is crucial for improving sanitation and reducing the risk of flooding in the area," Chifunilo added.
The council is also making strides in public health and sanitation with the procurement of a skip loader for waste management and an ambulance to enhance emergency health services.
"These investments are vital for improving the overall health and cleanliness of our community," Chifunilo noted.
Other projects include the installation of solar street lights, borehole drilling, and road maintenance through grading and gravelling.
"We are ensuring that every ward benefits from the CDF, and these projects are spread across various areas to address the unique needs of each community," he said.
Empowering local businesses and cooperatives remains a key priority under the CDF 2024.
"We believe in the potential of our local entrepreneurs to drive economic growth," Chifunilo remarked.
"That’s why we have disbursed loans totaling ZMW 3,491,518.00 to 37 organizations. These loans are not just about money; they are about creating opportunities for our people to thrive."
He highlighted some of the ventures that have benefited from these loans, including carpentry and metal fabrication, which received ZMW 325,000.00, and general trading and hardware supply, with an allocation of ZMW 833,640.00.
"These businesses are vital to our local economy, and we are proud to support their growth and success," Chifunilo said.
The CDF 2024 also focuses on empowering women, youth, and vulnerable groups through grants.
"Our commitment to inclusivity is reflected in the 94 grants we've distributed, totaling ZMW 2,353,308.00," Chifunilo said.
"We are particularly proud of the support we've provided to small-scale businesses, including poultry farming and village banking.
These grants are designed to uplift the most vulnerable members of our community and provide them with the resources they need to sustain and grow their enterprises."
Chifunilo emphasized the importance of these initiatives in improving livelihoods.
"These grants are more than just financial support; they are lifelines for many families, enabling them to break the cycle of poverty and build a better future," he stated.
Education is a cornerstone of the CDF 2024, with a significant portion of the fund dedicated to providing bursaries for secondary school students and supporting skills development programs for the youth.
"We have approved 210 secondary school bursaries and 665 skills development bursaries, amounting to ZMW 7,045,645.00," Chifunilo announced.
"This investment in education is crucial for ensuring that our young people have the opportunities to pursue their academic and professional aspirations."
Chifunilo highlighted the long-term impact of these educational initiatives.
"By investing in education, we are not just supporting individuals; we are building the future of our constituency," he said.
"These bursaries ensure that no child is left behind, regardless of their financial background."
The total allocation for the CDF 2024 stands at ZMW 30,635,641.97, which has been strategically divided among various sectors.
"Our approach to fund allocation is rooted in a deep understanding of the needs of our community," Chifunilo explained.
"Community projects received the largest share, amounting to ZMW 16,589,200.13, followed by allocations for youth, women, and community empowerment at ZMW 7,934,115.80.
We have also prioritized education, with ZMW 5,820,771.98 allocated for secondary school bursaries and skills development, and ZMW 1,531,782.97 set aside for administrative costs."
Chifunilo emphasized the council's commitment to transparency and accountability in managing the CDF.
"We are fully committed to ensuring that these funds are utilized effectively and for the benefit of all our residents," he stated.
"Transparency and accountability are at the heart of our operations, and we encourage community members to actively participate in monitoring the progress of these projects."
He concluded with a message of hope and determination: "The 2024 CDF allocation reflects our unwavering dedication to fostering development, empowering our citizens, and enhancing the quality of life in our constituency.
We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure these funds are used wisely, paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for all."
As the CDF 2024 initiatives continue to unfold, the Livingstone City Council remains committed to driving progress and creating opportunities for all residents, particularly the youth, women, and vulnerable groups, ensuring a brighter and more prosperous future for the community.
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