COPPERBELT Province Minister Elisha Matambo has directed all local authorities in the Copperbelt province to prioritize quality health service provision, adequate sanitation and clean and safe drinking water in workplaces.
Speaking when he officiated at the commissioning of completed Constituency Development Funded (CDF) projects in Nchanga Constituency of Chingola, Mr Matambo further directed the local authorities to quickly pay cash for work beneficiaries as quickly as possible.
Mr Matambo said the Cash for Work is a government initiative and heavily supported by President Hakainde as a way to mitigate the effects of the drought situation that had affected the country last year.
“Both the Cash for Work and CDF are heavily supported by President Hakainde Hichilema to benefit every citizen on time,” he said.
He further disclosed that over 11,000 community members in Chingola have so far benefited from Cash for Work programme both in Nchanga and Chingola Constituencies respectively.
The Minister noted that both CDF and Cash for Work programmes are government initiatives which have continued to improve people’s livelihoods through employment creation and empowerment programmes.
He has since implored beneficiaries of the Cash for Work and CDF grants to invest their resources in profitable business ventures so that their livelihoods are improved and be able to support families and communities.
“Do not misuse these monies you are getting from Cash for Work and CDF, please invest wisely and support your families,” Mr Matambo said
Speaking during the same event Nchanga Member of Parliament Derricky Chilundika described the commissioning of most CDF projects in his Constituency as timely and inevitable.
Mr Chilundika cited the new mortuary at Kabundi East Clinic as a huge development as for many years the local people had to spend alot of money on transport to take their deceased loved ones to Nchanga North Hospital mortuary.
He also noted that the Digital X-ray Machine procured under CDF at Nchanga North Hospital will benefit alot of people including those in neighboring districts such as, Chililabombwe, Kalulushi, Lufwanyama and surrounding areas.
And District Commissioner Raphael Chimupi has praised President Hakainde Hichilema for ensuring that the people of Chingola also benefit from CDF and Cash for Work programmes.
Some of the completed and commissioned projects funded under the 2023 and 2024 CDF allocations include; procured and installation of a Digital X-Ray Machine at Nchanga General Hospital,Plumbing Works at Nchanga General Hospital, a newly paved driveway at Clinic 1 Health Centre, An equipped borehole at Life Cathedral church, a drilled and an equipped boreholes at Zamim College.
Other projects include;a drilled and equipped borehole at Banda Market, a drilled and equipped borehole at Soweto Combined School and the rehabilitation of 20 ablution facilities in 10 government schools in Nchanga Constituency.