KASAMA Municipal Council has reiterated its commitment to ensuring Constituency Development Funds (CDF) continue to be a tool for inclusive development in the district.
Kasama Mayor Theresa Kolala says government is proud of the impact that the CDF has made to improve the lives of people in society.
ZANIS reports that Mrs Kolala said this in a speech read for her by Kasama Deputy Mayor Felix Musonda during the orientation of newly appointed Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Committee Members for Kasama Central, and Lukashya Constituencies, in Kasama.
The increase in CDF has helped to record significant progress, she said, stating that Kasama has seen massive infrastructure development.
Among these includes the construction of clinics and maternity annexes, school infrastructure, water and sanitation development, and roads.
“As a district we have built over 40 health facilities in both Kasama Central and Lukashya constituencies; we have also improved water and sanitation in public places, which is a big milestone for our people,” said Mrs Kolala.
The Mayor indicated that the impact of the CDF is visible and that there is need to continue working hard so that every Zambian can benefit from the fund.
Mr Kolala has since advised the members to ensure that projects that they will be recommending for approval are in line with the Integrated Development Plan (IDP).
And Kasama Town Clerk Moses Mwelwa encouraged the newly appointed CDF committee members to stick to the CDF guideline as they will be receiving and reviewing proposed projects list from Ward Development Committees.
Mr Mwelwa said the committee should also take time to familiarise themselves with the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) for Kasama so that they make decisions that are in line with the council plan.
He encouraged members to prioritize projects under the presidential directive, such as providing mechanized water projects in public places and opening up feeder roads in rural areas.
“There is still much work to be done, and we look forward to your active participation in ensuring the completion of pending projects, the initiation of impactful new ones, and the implementation of the projects under the presidential directives,” Mr Mwelwa said.
Meanwhile, Kasama District Commissioner Annie Paul, who is also a member of the CDF Committee, said the public is highly expectant of committee’s performance in the delivery of the CDF projects.
Mrs Paul indicated that Constituency Development Fund Committee members should ensure that they commit themselves to serving the community and not to be used by selfish individuals whose aim is to benefit their interest.
“We should ensure that we commit ourselves in fostering development which will benefit the masses because if we don’t do that the community will suffer,” she said.
Mrs. Paul also indicated that the CDC should consider giving priority to equip the health infrastructure which has been built with necessary equipment so that they can start offering services to people.
