Serenje, Wednesday, 15th October 2025 โ Twenty-one entrepreneurs from Muchinga Constituency have received Constituency Development Fund (CDF) loans amounting to K3,645,000, in a move aimed at boosting local entrepreneurship and improving livelihoods in Serenje District.
The handover ceremony, held at the Council Chamber, was officiated by Council Chairperson Mr. Staivous Mulumba on behalf of the District Commissioner, Mr. Paul Masuwa.
In his address, Mr. Mulumba commended the beneficiaries for successfully going through a rigorous vetting process, describing their selection as a vote of confidence in their potential to contribute to the economic growth of the district.
โThe amounts disbursed today range from approximately K100, 000 to K200, 000, depending on the nature and scale of each business proposal. This is not a small achievement it is a clear indication that government believes in your capacity to make a difference,โ he said.
The District Commissioner, through Mr. Mulumba, emphasized that the CDF loan facility is a deliberate government initiative under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema aimed at promoting economic empowerment, especially among youth, women, and vulnerable groups.
โGovernment is placing resources directly in the hands of citizens so that development is driven from the grassroots,โ he stated.
However, he also cautioned beneficiaries against defaulting on their loan obligations, stressing that the CDF loan is not free money but a revolving fund meant to benefit many citizens over time.
โLet me be very clear: failure to repay these loans will attract legal consequences. The law allows the council to recover funds through the courts of law or through bailiffs who may seize pledged collateral,โ he warned.
Mr. Mulumba further urged the beneficiaries to demonstrate responsibility and patriotism by repaying their loans on time, noting that such accountability ensures the continuity of empowerment programs for others.
The District Commissioner reaffirmed governmentโs commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs through capacity building, mentorship, and monitoring, so that the loans translate into real businesses and sustainable jobs.
Issued by:
Oscar Malipenga
PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
