𝐆𝐎𝐕’𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝟏𝟑 𝐂𝐃𝐅 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐉𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐒 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐇 𝐊𝟖.𝟖 𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐈𝐍 𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐉𝐄

10th April 2026

Central Province Permanent Secretary Dr. Milner Mwanakampwe has commissioned 13 Constituency Development Fund (CDF) projects valued at over K8.8 million in Serenje District, in a drive to strengthen service delivery in education, health, and community infrastructure across Serenje and Muchinga constituencies.

The Permanent Secretary also presented CDF grants to 124 youth and women’s clubs in Muchinga Constituency, with funding totaling K3.2 million, and an additional K2.8 million allocated to Serenje Central Constituency under the 2026 funding.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Dr. Mwanakampwe described Serenje as one of the leading districts in the effective utilisation of CDF, noting that 222 projects have been completed to date, with additional projects earmarked for 2026. He said the progress reflects Government’s commitment to decentralised development and improved service delivery under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema.

He noted that investments in infrastructure are already yielding results, particularly in the health and education sectors, where expanded facilities and improved staffing levels have contributed to better outcomes, including a reduction in maternal mortality and increased school enrolment.

Council Chairperson Staivous Mulumba highlighted broader gains recorded in the district, citing the construction of 69 classroom blocks, 169 kilometres of feeder roads, and 21 health posts. He added that more than 1,700 beneficiaries have been supported through CDF loans and grants, while a long-standing deficit of over 11,000 school desks has been eliminated.

District Commissioner Paul Masuwa said the success of the projects is anchored in the Government’s decentralisation policy, which has increased CDF allocations and devolved decision-making to local communities. He said this approach ensures that development interventions are aligned with the actual needs of the people.

In a vote of thanks, His Royal Highness Chief Chibale expressed gratitude for the increased CDF allocation, noting that it has enabled the implementation of various development projects, including the construction of a new palace. He said Serenje has continued to record progress across multiple sectors through the fund.

Chieftainess Serenje urged community members, particularly women, to uphold responsibility and accountability in the utilisation of resources, stating that disciplined stewardship is key to sustainable development.

Provincial Education Officer Mambe Hamududu said the education sector has been a major beneficiary of CDF, especially following the introduction of free education, which has led to increased enrolment. She noted that expanded infrastructure, including classroom blocks and teachers’ houses, has helped ease pressure on existing facilities while improving access to quality education.

Meanwhile, Provincial Youth Development Coordinator Kennedy Pezo welcomed the completion of the skills training centre, describing it as a long-awaited milestone for the district. He said the facility will play a critical role in equipping young people with practical, self-sustaining skills, enabling them to become productive and economically independent.

Ends.