Mbala Municipal Council has handed over Constituency Development Fund Empowerment Loans to 33 applicants, amounting to K3,417,000, and K2,283,000 to 151 Grant beneficiaries across the 9 Wards of Mbala Constituency. This brings the total amount disbursed in the 2024 Women, Youth and Community Empowerment Fund to K5,700,000, indicating an increase by K323,000 in comparison to K5,377.000 approved in 2023.
Speaking during the Handover Ceremony held on 17th July, 2024 at the Civic Centre, District Commissioner Jestus Sikazwe who graced the Ceremony as Guest of Honor commended the Government of his Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema, who has committed himself to practically address challenges faced by vulnerable communities through the consistent disbursement of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
The District Commissioner stated that, successful implementation of Empowerment Funds among 2022 and 2023 beneficiaries has demonstrated the undeniable transforming power of CDF in the District, as observed during the monitoring activities conducted by the Council in collaboration with Local Leaders. “Through CDF, communities are making strides to gain resilience to effects of climate change, poverty and lack of employment.”
And Town Clerk for Mbala Municipal Council Mrs. Laura Yumba Munkanta commended the outgoing CDF Committee, the Local Authority and Access Bank for the timely processing and disbursement of CDF Empowerment Funds to the beneficiaries.
She however appealed to beneficiaries to be available during monitoring visits and to correctly utilize their Empowerment Funds or risk being held accountable through the laid down CDF Guidelines.
And in his Vote of Thanks, Reverend Silondwa, Chairman of the Pastors Fellowship Savings Group, as a beneficiary of 2024 Empowerment Grants, expressed gratitude to the Government for considering his group under CDF thereby acknowledging that the clergy is part and parcel of the common challenges being faced in the nation such as climate change and poverty.
Beneficiaries who previously received Financial Literacy, were further sensitized during the Ceremony to ensure that their funds go through the bank frequently and before any business transaction is made, in order to build financial statements and efficient record keeping.
Meanwhile, William Sinkamba, a local entrepreneur gave testament to the growth he has experienced in his business through the CDF Empowerment Loan he received under the 2023 allocation.
