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Livingstone MP Rodney Sikumba Calls for Media Collaboration in Promoting Constituency Development Fund

Livingstone Member of Parliament and Minister of Tourism, Rodney Sikumba, has called on the media to play an active role in promoting the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), emphasizing its importance as a tool for community development. 

Speaking at a recent meeting with members of the media and the newly established CDF committee, Sikumba stressed the need for accurate and timely dissemination of information to ensure the public is well-informed about the opportunities available through the CDF.

"The media is cardinal in spreading information about the CDF," Sikumba said.

 "It is the most effective way for the public to access this fund, and we need to see how we can collaborate more closely to inform our citizens."

The United Party for National Development (UPND) government, which took office on August 24, has made significant strides in delivering CDF to the people, despite facing challenges in implementing development initiatives. 

Sikumba highlighted that the CDF guidelines are being refined to improve the system and ensure that the benefits reach those who need them most, especially as the country heads towards the 2024 elections.

"We want to ensure that the people at the polling stations in the Livingstone constituency get the benefits of the CDF," he stated. 

"The media has a crucial role in communicating this to the public. We are allocating funds specifically for media engagement and branding to create top-of-mind awareness about the CDF."

Sikumba also addressed concerns about the politicization of the CDF, reiterating that the fund is apolitical and should be accessible to all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations. 

He emphasized the need for media outlets to present balanced stories that reflect the positive impact of the CDF while acknowledging its challenges.

"Every citizen with a green National Registration Card (NRC) is entitled to access the CDF," Sikumba said. 

"We don't want to see any form of segregation or marginalization. The media should help ensure that the true purpose of the CDF is communicated effectively."

In response to questions about his involvement in the procurement process, Sikumba clarified that he does not sit on the procurement committee and has no role in the electronic procurement system currently being implemented.

"I wonder why my name should be dragged into it," he remarked. 

"My focus is on ensuring that the CDF is used for the benefit of the people, and I urge the media to carry positive articles that highlight the fund's impact."

Sikumba concluded by encouraging continuous media coverage of CDF-related issues, expressing his hope that such collaboration would lead to better-informed citizens and more effective use of the fund in driving development across the Livingstone constituency.

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