By ROGERS KALERO
THE timing by government to release more than K5 million Constituency Development Fund (CDF) disbursed to Ndola residents raises eyebrows most especially that there is a by-election coming in a few days, PF national chairperson Davies Chama has said.
Mr Chama said that he questioned the sincerity of the local authority and said this was just a political gimmick.
He said he expected the disbursement of CDF in all the constituencies unlike the scenario were they wanted to appease potential voters.
“This is a political gimmick by the UPND. The reason they targeted Ndola is because there is a by-election on the cards and they want to win voters,” he said.
Ndola City Council indicated that CDF empowerment grants for women and youths would be disbursed.
Public Relations Manager Rabecca Mushota said the setting aside of the K5m for empowerment grants followed the approval by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development of the 260 selected applications for the CDF empowerment grants under the Kabushi, Bwana Mkubwa and Chifubu constituencies.
She said the ministry approved the 50 selected applications under Kabushi constituency, 112 under Bwana Mkubwa and 98 under Chifubu bringing the total number of approved applications to 260.
“The 50 beneficiary cooperatives under Kabushi are set to receive a K1, 944, 751 while the 112 beneficiary cooperatives under Bwana Mkubwa are set to receive K1, 953, 200. Under Chifubu constituency, the 98 will get K1, 940, 000.
The total amount to be disbursed in Ndola so far is K5, 837, 951. The ministry also approved the 11 selected community projects applied under the Kabushi Constituency 2022 CDF worth K13, 326, 968,’’ Ms Mushota said.
Ms Mushota said the community projects included construction of a wall fence, drainage, culverts, classroom blocks and re-gravelling of township roads as well as purchasing of desks.
“For Bwana Mkubwa Constituency, the ministry approved the selected 11 community projects worth K13, 908, 000.
The projects include construction of a police post, drainage, classroom blocks and community hall.
The ministry equally approved the 17 selected community projects under Chifubu constituency worth K14, 415, 550.
The projects include construction of a police post, a local court, market shelter and installation of street lights,’’ Ms Mushota said.
