Poor response to CDF worries CB Minister

LACK of business proposals for empowerment under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) has worried Copperbelt minister, Elisha Matambo , that the money might go back.

Mr Matambo said his office will be hurt if the money goes back to Lusaka because of failure to put it to use.

Mr Matambo has urged both women and the youth to submit their business propos als for them not to be left out in the CDF because President Hakainde Hichilema wanted to alleviate poverty and pro mote food security through various empowerment projects.

He said during the Women's Business conference at Nabonga secondary school in Chingola that it was the wish of the New Dawn Government to see that both the women and the youths were empowered.

"This the government of President Hakainde Hichilema wants to ensure that women and youths are empowered in various ways. Empowerment in various ways can contribute to poverty alleviation and food security. This is why we have increased the CDF to K25.7 million.

"However, I must state that Iam deeply concerned over the poor response of business pro posals by both the youths and women in Chingola. My office will be hurt if the money goes back to Lusaka instead of be ing put to use,'' Mr Matambo said

And Mr Matambo has said the ruling UPND has identi fied education as a key to the transformation of the coun try's living standards for peo ple regardless of where they are coming from.

HE was speaking in Mapalo Ward of Ndola during the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of Cecil and Betty Byrd Education and Skills Training centre.

He said the Skills Training centre to be constructed was a clear demonstration of the complimentary role the church and other organisa tions play in national develop ment.