The Ward Development Committee (WDC) in Lukupa Ward of Kasama Central Constituency has commended the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) empowerment initiative for its positive impact on local communities.
Lukupa Ward WDC Chairperson, Fredwell Chama, said the empowerment funds have significantly helped in fighting poverty among beneficiary groups while creating employment opportunities.
Mr Chama further thanked government for the proposed increase in next year’s CDF allocation, expressing confidence that the increment will yield more tangible benefits for the people.
He explained that the increase will allow more cooperatives and clubs to access the funds, thereby boosting productivity and improving livelihoods.
He made the remarks after inspecting the Good Hope Women Cooperative in Musenga Township, which recently received K39,000 under the empowerment component of the CDF and invested the funds into poultry farming.
“With the proposed increase in CDF, more cooperatives will be empowered to engage in productive ventures, thereby reducing poverty and creating jobs for local people,” Mr. Chama said.
He also praised the Good Hope Women Cooperative for its dedication and contribution to improving community welfare.
Meanwhile, the cooperative’s secretary, Judith Ngonga, said the 21-member group has greatly benefited from the grant, noting that profits from the poultry business are shared among members, enabling even elderly women to buy food and support their families.
“We want to thank President Hichilema for his vision to introduce the CDF empowerment funds which are transforming communities,” Ms. Ngonga said.
She also appealed for additional partnerships and support from stakeholders to help the group expand its business.
And one of the members, Agnes Kalomo, encouraged women to take advantage of the initiative to support their families.
“We know that women carry the burden of running homes. That is why it is important to work hard and improve our lives,” Ms. Kalomo said, urging other women to join similar groups for improved livelihoods.
Meanwhile, Caritas Kasama has appealed to government to prioritize the completion of stalled infrastructure projects in Northern Province.
Caritas Kasama Director James Bwalya said government should also implement more capital projects to address public concerns and foster development in the region.
Fr. Bwalya cited the Bangweulu Regional Hospital in Lupososhi District as a critical project that should be completed to enhance health service delivery.
Fr. Bwalya further noted that residents wish to have a university in the province to expand access to higher education for young people and also called for improved road infrastructure to support economic growth.
CDF is a scam. CDF has grounded development that we saw in PF to a HALT. Adding a 1 classroom is not development. CDF has failed to foster capital investment and major development.
Keep on dreaming, those who are benefitting are happy.Better than people who were buy 100 house and cars,buying Helicopters and giving concubines and prostitutes mone.Mulenya until 2031 no handouts
Smaller developments closer to everyday people is better than big developments for some of the people. Once that’s done you can move on to bigger developments what’s the point in fancy motorways if your local every day roads is in poor state or non existent.