By Sandra Chuungu.
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has reaffirmed the importance of continued party mobilization, citing it as the key factor that led to the UPND’s rise to power after 23 years in opposition. During the relaunch of the UPND party mobilization at the UPND Secretariat in Lusaka, President Hichilema urged party members to remain focused and undistracted by social media.
CDF Allocation and Impact 
The Zambian government has allocated $3 million for fuel to grade feeder roads in all constituencies nationwide. This move is expected to boost rural development and poverty alleviation efforts. The Constituency Development Fund (CDF) has been instrumental in supporting small community projects and fostering local development since its inception in 1995 ¹.
Some of the key areas benefiting from the CDF include:
– Education: Construction of schools and provision of scholarships for secondary school education
– Healthcare: Building health facilities and providing essential medical services
– Infrastructure: Rehabilitation of roads and bridges
– Economic Empowerment: Funding skills development courses for youth, women, and persons with disabilities
Transparency and Accountability
To ensure transparency and accountability, the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) has been monitoring CDF projects across four constituencies. Their findings highlighted concerns regarding the lack of mechanisms to guarantee community participation, transparency, and accountability ¹.
Future Plans
President Hichilema’s administration aims to expand the CDF’s scope and scale, prioritizing decentralization and local governance. The government’s efforts to enhance transparency and accountability will be crucial in ensuring the effective utilization of funds.
Conclusion
The New Dawn government’s commitment to rural development and poverty alleviation is evident in its allocation of $3 million for feeder road development. As the UPND continues to mobilize, President Hichilema’s emphasis on transparency, accountability, and community participation will be vital in ensuring the CDF’s success.
