A Constituency Development Fund (CDF)-funded electrification project valued at K8.5 million has been launched in Kaphinde and Kazimule areas of Luangeni Constituency in Eastern Province, bringing electricity to schools, health facilities, trading centres and surrounding villages.
Luangeni Constituency Member of Parliament Moses Moyo praised the effective utilisation of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), saying the initiative is delivering meaningful development to rural communities.
Speaking during the commissioning of the electrification project, Mr Moyo described the connection of the two communities to the national electricity grid as a major milestone that was already creating economic opportunities for local residents.
The project has connected schools, rural health posts, agriculture camp houses, trading centres and several villages to electricity.
Mr Moyo said the development had long been awaited, as residents previously travelled more than 10 kilometres to access essential services such as hammer mills and sunflower oil processing machines.
He noted that community members have already started opening businesses including welding shops, barbershops, salons, bars and retail stores following the electrification of the area.
Mr Moyo, who also serves as Second Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, commended President Hakainde Hichilema for increasing the CDF allocation, saying the move has enabled resources to reach rural communities and empowered citizens to identify their own development priorities.
Meanwhile, Langamu Chifunda said the electrification project will help Zesco Ltd expand its customer base while contributing to increased revenue generation.
Mr Chifunda said the project will improve living standards and create opportunities for economic growth and social development in Luangeni Constituency.
He further urged residents to observe electricity safety measures by avoiding illegal power connections, unsafe wiring and constructing structures close to power lines.
“As ZESCO, we are urging the people here to avoid illegal electricity connections, unsafe wiring and constructing structures close to or under power lines,” he said.
And Helminnah Phiri commended government and the area Member of Parliament for ensuring the project became a reality.
Ms Phiri said electricity will greatly improve administrative operations at Kaphinde Primary School, which has an enrolment of 732 pupils.
She explained that teachers previously relied on writing examination questions on classroom boards due to the lack of printing facilities.
“Pupils will now each have examination question papers because we will be able to make photocopies for them during examinations,” she said.
Meanwhile, local entrepreneur Kelvin Longwe said the electrification project was expected to stimulate business growth in the area.
Mr Longwe, who operates a welding business, said residents previously travelled between five and 10 kilometres to access welding services.
“This development will help us grow our businesses and improve our livelihoods,” he said.
