Government has proposed to increase the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) from the current K200 million to K400 million per constituency this year in order to accelerate development.
Local government and housing minister Sylvia Masebo disclosed this at a public rally addressed by President Mwanawasa at Chiutika Basic school in Mfuwe yesterday.
She said the new deal government was not for politicking but determined to fulfil its promises.
Meanwhile, Local government and housing minister Sylvia Masebo has advised councils not to retrench workers if they do not have money to pay them their retrenchment packages.
And Ms Masebo has disclosed that government has bought 150 motor vehicles and 30 tractors for councils countrywide.
Ms Masebo said 16 out of the 150 vehicles and three tractors will be distributed to local authorities in Eastern province.
The minister disclosed this when she addressed councillors and council employees at Mambwe district council in Eastern province yesterday.
She further disclosed that government has ordered over 100 vehicles to enhance the movement of chiefs in the country.
She said the vehicles are meant to enhance the mobility of chiefs in their chiefdoms as they are key partners in the development of the country.
Ms Masebo also announced that government has released K150 million for town planning in developing districts.
She said there is need to develop districts according to laid out plans in order to avoid illegal settlements.
And Ms Masebo has attributed the poor performance of most councils in the country to poor management.
She emphasized the need for councils to employ qualified personnel if they are operate professionally and efficiently.
Ms Masebo also advised councilors to desist from politicking and instead concentrate on development.
Meanwhile, Finance Minister Ng’andu Magande said government has released K187 million for council retirees in Mambwe district.
Mr Magande also said government has released money for all retired council workers in the country.
The Finance minister advised councillors to initiate income generating activities and not to wait for government financial interventions if the district is to develop.
Mr Magande also encouraged the local people to take advantage of the booming tourism sector and venture into the hospitality business.
Meanwhile, the local authority in Mambwe district says land demarcations between chiefdoms are not clear.
Council chairman, Phaile Mbewe said this has resulted in land disputes among chiefs in the province.
He cited land disputes between chiefs Jumbe of Mambwe and Chikuwe of Chipata, Msoro of Mambwe and Mbang’ombe of Katete because of unclear demarcations.
The minister also disclosed that government has since released K150 billion to all councils in the country to enhance their service delivery to the people.
Ms. Masebo also said she was impressed with the implementation of the Keep Zambia Clean campaign by most of the districts in Eastern province with Chipata being the cleanest.
