Choma Mayor, Javen Simuloka says the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) has continued to yield positive impacts on the local economy in the District.
The Mayor said since CDF was increased from 1.6 to 28.3 million Kwacha, the funds have brought about remarkable impacts on the people in the district as all labour force on the projects are contracted locally.
Mayor Simuloka stated that all projects in the district are being done by local contractors, a situation he described as good for improving the local economy.
The Mayor was speaking during a CDF stakeholder engagement meeting held at the council chamber yesterday.
“Am happy that our local contractors have continued exhibiting good workmanship in implementing various CDF projects they are given to do. All projects are given to the locals and the results are remarkable on our economy”
Mayor Simukola said before CDF was increased by President Hakainde Hichilema, it was very difficult for the local contractors to be engaged in various projects because the resources were very limited, coupled with a lack of political will to empower local contractors to actively participate in the implementation of the projects.
Mr Simuloka pointed out that local contractors are now participating in the construction of local projects and money is circulating among the people in the district, a situation he added was good for the growth of the local economy.
“‘There is also skill transfer which is happening through local contractors engaged under CDF projects in various sectors besides local people gaining experience,’’ said Mr Simuloka.
The Mayor expressed happiness that the CDF funding has been constant, and this has helped the local authority to implement community projects on time hence improving service delivery in the communities.
And Mbabala Constituency Local Contractors Chairperson, Godwin Muzimo is elated that the government has put deliberate efforts to empower local contractors through the implementation of CDF projects
Mr Muzimo said meaningful development can only be achieved by empowering local contractors with local business ventures such as CDF.
He has since urged all local contractors in the district to deliver quality work at all times as they implement various CDF projects.
“Am urging more people to form cooperatives, clubs, and companies so that they can also benefit from CDF,” he said.
Meanwhile, Choma District Commissioner, Gamela Sikaleya has called for intensified monitoring of CDF projects to prevent sub standard works and misuse of CDF funds in the district.
Mr Gamela said there is a need to find a more effective way of regular monitoring of CDF projects by various stakeholders in the district.
“We must have a very good system of offering checks and balances on how government resources are being utilized through CDF,’’ he said.
