Zambia (Mwinilunga): The government has disbursed over Two Point Seven Million Kwacha to 53 loan and grant beneficiaries under the 2023 allocation of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) in Mwinilunga District.
One Million Eight Hundred and Eighty-Eight Thousand Kwacha (K1,888,000) has been given as loans to 23 cooperatives, clubs, and small businesses, while eight hundred and seventy-one thousand Kwacha (K871,000) has been given to 30 groups as grants.
Speaking during the Grants and Loans handover ceremony held in the district today, Town Council chairperson Jonathan Chinyimba said the money has been disbursed to improve people’s livelihoods.
Chinyimba noted that President Hakainde Hichilema has an ambitious resolve to ensure that empowerment programmes target women, youths, and community members, in general, to provide economic relief to families.
“We are gathered here not to listen to theories and promises but to witness the practical steps and actions that have been taking place in the new dawn government,” he said.
Speaking at the same event, District Commissioner Harrison Kamuna said the government is determined to end extreme poverty by 2030.
Kamuna said that CDF is one key avenue the government is using to realize this resolve, further calling on beneficiaries to use the money prudently.
And Town Council Secretary Gift Kakoma revealed that positive results are already being recorded from the previous beneficiaries of CDF loans and grants.
Kakoma said the local authority has prioritized the implementation of CDF in order to achieve the government’s aspirations and warned beneficiaries against abuse of the funds.
“A number of beneficiaries under the loans and grants are doing exceptionally well, especially those embarking on short- to medium-term projects,” he said.
Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of other beneficiaries, Kuunda Manjimela described the empowerment they have received as a shot in the arm, saying it will help them boost their fish farming business.
Since then, Manjimela has thanked the government for its empowerment and promised that the funds will be used for their intended purpose.