CHONGWE CDF IMPLEMENTATION IS A DISASTER, SAYS MASEBO
…CDF empowerment fails test in Chongwe as only 12 out of 21 wards apply for funds
The implementation of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) empowerment programme in Chongwe is a disaster, Chongwe Member of Parliament Sylvia Masebo has said.
Ms. Masebo made the observation when she addressed residents during the May Day celebrations over the weekend.
She expressed disappointment at the failure by the local authority and the Constituency Development Funds (CDF) team to sensitise the community on empowerment funds.
She disclosed that only 12 out of the 21 wards had submitted applications for the women or youth empowerment funds in the first quarter allocation.
Ms. Masebo was disappointed that government workers were not showing seriousness in ensuring that the public is sensitised on very important programmes such as the youth and women business empowerment grants and loans.
She wondered how a constituency of 21 wards could only receive applications from 12 wards when the funds were already in the council’s account.
Ms. Masebo urged the district commissioner to step up and show leadership by ensuring that government programmes in the district were moving.
Ms Masebo, who is also minister of Health directed the district commissioner to closely supervise the relevant government departments to ensure that such initiatives meant to benefit the people are well executed.
She stressed that the government had deliberately increased the CDF allocation to transform the social and economic welfare of the communities and would not take kindly to any form of sabotage.
She emphasised that there were many people who were envying the government jobs and as such those in offices must show commitment and patriotism.
Ms Masebo challenged the local authority to partner with the private sector in areas where it had no expertise.
She said that the private sector must be brought on board to help the council to deliver quality services to the public.
Meanwhile, some residents were disappointed that the council and the CDF committee had not disbursed any funds towards any community project.
In an interview, Ms. Mary Ngoma of Lusoke village wondered why the empowerment funds were not being disbursed when other districts had already started the programme.