Chasefu MP sings praises for UPND over CDF success

By BARNABAS ZULU

MISHECK Nyambose has commended the UPND government for significantly increasing the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and ensuring its fair distribution across the country.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Anderson Kambela Mazoka House in Lusaka yesterday, Mr Nyambose, the Chasefu Independent Member of Parliament said the current Parliament is the most privileged in the country’s history due to the unprecedented levels of CDF allocation.
“The 13th National Assembly is the luckiest Parliament Zambia has ever had,” said Mr Nyambose. “We are fortunate to serve under President Hakainde Hichilema, who has made development at the grassroots level possible.”
According to Mr Nyambose, Chasefu, a constituency he claims was once marginalised, had seen a wave of transformation since the increase of CDF from K1.6 million to K36.1 million.
“Chasefu was forgotten for many years. Today, thanks to CDF, we are witnessing massive development in infrastructure, education, skills training and community empowerment,” he said. Mr Nyambose revealed that between 2022 and 2025, a total of 406 empowerment grants and 540 cooperative loans were issued in his constituency, creating economic opportunities for local residents.
“This support has empowered our people to venture into businesses and sustain livelihoods,” he said. “It’s no longer about handouts – it’s about self-reliance.”
He added that 585 pupils have benefitted from secondary school bursaries, while 209 individuals have obtained driver’s licences under the CDF programme. “Imagine what this means for rural youths who never had such opportunities. These are lives changed permanently,” said the lawmaker. Mr Nyambose also stated that 946 residents have accessed skills training programmes in various fields such as tailoring, construction, agriculture and ICT.
“People are acquiring skills they can use to generate income and contribute meaningfully to their communities,” he said.
On infrastructure, he reported that the council has procured 9, 445 desks, drilled 20 boreholes, rehabilitated 120 kilometres of feeder roads and constructed 14 health facilities and 34 classroom blocks.
“These are tangible results,” said Mr Nyambose. “They are not on paper – they are visible on the ground.”
As chairperson of the Local Government Accounts Committee, Mr Nyambose praised the UPND government for consistently disbursing CDF before the end of each financial year.
“The timely release of funds has enhanced planning and implementation. Councils are no longer guessing; they are executing with confidence,” he said.
He stressed that the equitable disbursement of CDF under President Hichilema’s leadership marked a departure from the past.
“In the previous regime, CDF was politically distributed. Constituencies held by opposition MPs were sidelined. That injustice has ended,” said Mr Nyambose. “Today, development is not based on party lines – it is based on need.” He disclosed that through CDF, Chasefu has acquired earth-moving equipment, built schools, maternity annexes, bridges, health centres and installed water and solar systems.
“This is not a hoax. This is real development, and I challenge critics to visit constituencies and see for themselves,” said Mr Nyambose.

He called on political opponents to stop discrediting the CDF model and instead support its continued success.
“Let’s stop the politicking. What Zambians want is development, not endless debates,” he said.