Government has commissioned the first ever modern Civic Centre in Shiwang’andu District of Muchinga Province, which has been completed and furnished at a total cost of K6, 606. 400.
Vice President Mutale Nalumango who commissioned the infrastructure today, said she is impressed with the quality of works and the initiative to modernise the building.
Mrs Nalumango said the construction works which commenced in January 2015 and was expected to be completed in August 2025 had stalled for eight years after the initial contractor abandoned the project.
She therefore said to ensure completion of the project the Constituency Development Fund Committee allocated K4.2 million to revive and complete the civic center, with a Council Police Office included at a cost of K170, 000 to improve security at the premises.
“K1,294, 400 was spent on assorted furniture leading to a total CDF expenditure of K5,142. 000 and overall project cost to K6, 606,400,” she said.
Mrs Nalumango added that a number of constituencies are doing well when it comes to utilisation of CDF while a few others are not, a thing which cannot be blamed on the Government as people have been given the authority to choose the project that they want under CDF.
The Vice President said CDF resources are distributed equitably, hence development such as more schools, health facilities and empowerment of people among others, has also resulted in job creation among the local people.
Meanwhile, Muchinga Province Minister Njavwa Simutowe says Government is committed to the use of bottom-up approach as clearly shown through initiatives such as the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), Cash for Work and the Zambia Devolution Programme.
Mr Simutowe said the programmes have transformed lives of people including those in Shiwang’andu, adding that the Provincial Administration remains committed to effectively deliver Government projects.
“This is evident by how Muchinga Province has performed in the implementation of CDF projects in the Province,” he said.
The Provincial Minister has since appreciated President Hakainde Hichilema and the Vice President for fostering collaborative Governance and development for the benefit of all Zambians.
Meanwhile, Shiwang’andu District Commissioner Maureen Bwembya says 10, 566 people have benefited from the Cash for Work programme under CDF in the district.
Ms Bwembya said the Cash for Work programme which was part of the drought response has helped to improve the livelihoods of people.
And in a vote of thanks Chief Mukwikile of the Bemba people of Shiwang’andu District said the infrastructure will greatly improve the working environment of council workers and improve service delivery.
