Reported by: The Agency Media.
Date: 10th May, 2025.
Chinsali, Muchinga Province, Zambia
The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Gift Sialubalo, MP, has concluded a high level monitoring tour of Constituency Development Fund (CDF) projects across Muchinga Province, commending the region for its exceptional implementation efforts and awarding it a 90% performance rating.
Speaking at the close of the provincial tour, Hon. Sialubalo emphasized the strategic importance of the CDF as a tool for empowering communities and advancing the decentralization agenda. He described the program as a critical driver of grassroots transformation and noted that the performance score reflects both significant achievements and a roadmap for continuous improvement.
“Muchinga has demonstrated how impactful the CDF can be when there is strong local leadership, transparency and citizen involvement,” Hon. Sialubalo stated. “The remaining 10% highlights areas where we must intensify efforts particularly in finalizing delayed projects, with Chinsali District identified for priority support.”
The Minister’s evaluation came after days of on the ground inspections of infrastructure and empowerment projects funded under the CDF, ranging from classroom blocks and skills centers to youth and women empowerment programs. These initiatives align with the government’s broader vision of inclusive development that leaves no constituency behind.
Assistant Secretary Evans Hichilema, who joined the tour during its Mpika segment, echoed the Minister’s sentiments, stressing that the CDF remains a central pillar of President Hakainde Hichilema’s national development strategy.
“CDF is not just about funding it’s about rebalancing development, deepening accountability and enabling local communities to lead their own progress,” said Hichilema. “The tangible outcomes we’re witnessing in Muchinga demonstrate the power of devolved governance when supported by political will and active civic engagement.”
The tour reinforced the New Dawn Administration’s commitment to transparency, effective service delivery and people centered governance. Officials reiterated that the CDF will continue to serve as a foundation for equitable development, employment creation and the upliftment of rural communities across Zambia.
As the Ministry advances its oversight mechanisms and project management capacity, the government remains focused on unlocking the full potential of the CDF to deliver sustainable and inclusive growth.
The Agency.