By Amos Sikaonga 
By Cecilia Chiluba
Luanshya Mayor has implored Members of Parliament to expedite the process of reviewing Constituency Development Fund (CDF) project financing regulation.
Speaking during the handover of K2.4 million worth of CDF grants to 110 cooperatives in Roan Constituency, Dr. Charles Mulenga said this is in order to reduce the bureaucracy which surrounds the access of funds once projects have been approved.
Dr. Mulenga stated that once the issue of bureaucracy is addressed, the implementation of CDF projects would be done on time without delays which are worsened by the procurement procedures.
“Having project approvals being done at provincial headquarters and not in Lusaka is welcome although more needs to be done to ensure that all CDF projects are timely implemented,” Dr. Mulenga stated.
Speaking at the same event, Luanshya District Commissioner Paul Malele said the successful implementation of the 2025 Roan CDF Grants marks a significant milestone towards empowering communities and uplifting the people.
“The approved Roan CDF Grants represent not just a financial investment but the Government’s commitment to fostering growth, innovation, and sustainable livelihoods,” Mr. Malele said.
And Roan Member of Parliament Joel Chibuye noted that CDF has over the years changed the face of his constituency where over 300 cooperatives and community groups have continued to reduce poverty and unemployment levels after they accessed grants and loans worth K10 million since 2022.
Mr. Chibuye however expressed disappointment that despite the Government’s good intentions, CDF loan beneficiaries have a proven poor repayment record such that the authorities are now considering effecting the withdrawal of the facility.
“Some parliamentarians are now busy lobbying the government to consider allowing some deserving applicants to be allowed to access the 2025 CDF loans,” Mr. Chibuye added.
Meanwhile, a CDF beneficiary Pascal Mukuka thanked Luanshya Municipal Council for providing free basic financial literacy and other training programmes in line with the various projects that are being implemented.
The benefiting cooperatives will receive projects funding ranging between K20, 000 and K40, 000 to finance various projects which among others include, poultry farming, hemmer mill- milling, village banking, marching brass band, general trading, construction, community based music development support projects and climate change management.
During the occasion an additional, three CDF financed projects, construction of Chilabula bridge at a cost of K1, million, the constriction of 1 by 2 classroom block at Chendamabunga work K800, 000, and the rehabilitation and expansion of roan market at a cost of K4million, were also launched.
Cecilia Chiluba 
Joseph Tembo