The local authority in Mpulungu has empowered 80 women and youth groups with over K2.3 million as empowerment grants under the 2024 Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocation.

Northern Province Minister, Leonard Mbao said the Government has identified CDF as a tool to promote decentralization through the participation of citizens in identifying and implementing projects at the local level.

Mr Mbao explained that the empowerment grants are testimony and evidence that the Government is working hard to enable everyone to participate in the development of the country.

He said Mpulungu is witnessing the fruits of the CDF decentralization policy through the number of projects being implemented in the district.

Mr Mbao said this in a speech read on his behalf by Mpulungu District Commissioner, Gehard Sikazwe during the handover of the cheques to beneficiaries.

And Mpulungu District Council Chairperson, Deo Sichilengwe urged beneficiaries to use the funds for the intended purpose.

Mr Sichilengwe explained that the Government is committed to working with people who are hard-working.

He said the funds given to people are supposed to help them improve their lives.

Meanwhile, beneficiaries of the funds have thanked the Government and the local authority for giving the grants to the groups.

Victor Sipanje said it is gratifying to note that the Government is working with all the people in the country, despite their backgrounds.

Mr Sipanje has assured the Government that the groups will work hard to ensure they expand their businesses and create employment for other people.