CDF A GAME CHANGER IN HEALTH AND EDUCATION IN CENTRAL PROVINCE – MWANAKAMPWE
Central Province Permanent Secretary Dr. Milner Mwanakampwe has provided a comprehensive report on the utilization of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) in 2023 and the ongoing projects for 2024. Speaking to journalists during a media briefing at his office in Kabwe, Dr. Mwanakampwe highlighted significant financial investments aimed at improving education, healthcare, and community welfare, as well as underscoring challenges such as low loan repayment rates and energy shortages that are affecting the local economy.
Dr. Milner Mwanakampwe highlighted the province’s use of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) over the past two years, emphasizing significant investments in education, skills development, empowerment grants, and community infrastructure. In 2023, the province allocated K6.26 million to support secondary school students with boarding bursaries, while K5.1 million was spent on skills training programs for over 5,100 youths. For 2024, the skills development initiative has expanded, with K84.9 million set aside to train more than 6,800 young people. In terms of empowerment, K32.42 million in grants was disbursed to 1,242 cooperatives, individuals, and companies in 2023, along with K41.23 million in loans to 347 recipients. For 2024, grant allocations have increased to K33.9 million, benefiting 990 recipients, while K52 million in loans will be given to 402 individuals and organizations. Community infrastructure saw the completion of 299 projects in 2023, with a K239.4 million budget, and 383 projects are planned for 2024, with an increased budget of K296 million. Dr. Mwanakampwe also reported K5.8 million was allocated for 77 disaster-related projects in 2023, and a further K3.9 million is set aside for 24 projects in 2024.
Despite the significant investments, Dr. Mwanakampwe acknowledged several bottlenecks and challenges that have hampered the full success of the CDF program. A key issue he raised was the low repayment rates for loans disbursed under the CDF. The Permanent Secretary stressed that loans are not free money and must be repaid so that the fund can continue to benefit other members of the community.
“There is a tendency among some cooperatives and individuals to misuse loans for personal consumption rather than investing in projects that can generate returns. It is crucial that people understand that these funds are meant for investment and repaying them is essential for sustainability,” Dr. Mwanakampwe said.
Additionally, the Permanent Secretary criticized certain Constituency Development Fund Committee (CDFC) members for allegedly extorting money from beneficiaries by claiming to have facilitated access to loans and grants. He warned the public against such practices and called for reports to be made to the police in such cases.
Another challenge raised by Dr. Mwanakampwe was the misapplication of funds. He cited examples of projects, such as those involving the rearing of goats, where beneficiaries altered their original plans after receiving financial support, opting instead to rear chickens or engage in unrelated activities.
The Permanent Secretary also celebrated the province’s achievements in education and health infrastructure. Notably, over 350 classroom blocks have been constructed and rehabilitated between 2022 and 2024. These include 116 new classrooms built in 2023 and 117 in 2024, in response to the increasing number of students returning to school due to the government’s free education initiative. This initiative, aimed at increasing access to education for young people and adults, has led to overcrowded classrooms, a challenge that the provincial government is working to alleviate.
“In response to overcrowding, we are continuing to expand and build more schools,” Dr. Mwanakampwe explained. “While some classrooms are overcrowded, it is better than the alternative leaving children without education.”
In addition to classrooms, there has been significant progress in the construction of staff houses, with 72 houses built or rehabilitated between 2022 and 2024 to accommodate teachers and education staff.
Healthcare infrastructure has also seen improvements, with the construction of over 70 health posts and maternity annexes since 2022. In 2024, 40 new health posts were completed, providing better access to healthcare in rural areas.
Dr. Mwanakampwe also discussed the province’s progress in water and sanitation projects. Over 600 boreholes have been drilled to improve access to clean water, and 32 ablution blocks have been constructed in public places.
Additionally, he noted the increasing need for green energy solutions, given the ongoing energy shortages in the province, which have led to job losses, particularly in the manufacturing sector. He confirmed that efforts are being made to address these issues, with ZESCO planning to introduce 100 megawatts of green energy into the national grid by March 2025.
Dr. Mwanakampwe appealed to the public to focus on boosting local production as a means of reducing the cost of living. He emphasized that sustainable economic growth can only be achieved through increased production, especially in agriculture, and called for all sectors of society to contribute to this goal.
“The government has done its part, but we must all work together to reduce the cost of living through production. Without production, there is no other magic formula,” he said.
While significant progress has been made in terms of infrastructure development and community empowerment, challenges such as loan repayment issues, misuse of funds, and energy shortages remain. However, Dr. Mwanakampwe’s update offers a clear picture of the province’s efforts to address these challenges and its ongoing commitment to improving the livelihoods of its citizens.
SPICE FM