Ndola- The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Gift S. Sailubalo, MP, has commended Ndola City Council for its effective implementation of Constituency Development Fund (CDF) projects which is currently at 57% utilization as of 2024, highlighting the programme as a flagship initiative under his Ministry aimed at driving grassroots development through decentralization.
Speaking during a CDF project monitoring tour across all four constituencies of Ndola, Ndola Central, Kabushi, Bwana Mkubwa, and Chifubu, Hon. Sialubalo said the progress witnessed was a testament to the success of the government’s decentralization agenda, which seeks to empower local communities to shape their development priorities.
“I am impressed with the quality, scale, and relevance of the CDF projects being delivered in Ndola. This is what decentralization is all about, taking development closer to the people, making sure their voices are heard, and their needs are met,” he said.
The Minister stressed that the CDF remains the Ministry’s flagship programme for delivering infrastructure, services, and economic empowerment opportunities at the community level. He explained that decentralization is not just about transferring funds, but about fostering inclusive governance, transparency, and active citizen participation.
In this vein, Hon. Sialubalo urged the Ndola City Council to ensure that all completed CDF projects are promptly commissioned, so that the intended beneficiaries can begin to enjoy the services without delay.
“Projects must not just be completed; they must be handed over and put to use. I urge the Council to prioritize commissioning ceremonies, ensuring that communities can immediately start benefitting from the investments made through the CDF,” he said.
The Minister also encouraged community members to take ownership of the projects, protect the infrastructure, and work hand-in-hand with local leaders to sustain development gains.
Throughout the monitoring tour, Hon. Sialubalo inspected various infrastructure projects, including newly constructed schools, health centres, and roads. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting local authorities to strengthen decentralization, improve service delivery, and enhance accountability mechanisms.
Hon. Sialubalo further announced that the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development will closely monitor the commissioning of completed CDF projects, in line with a directive already issued through his office. He emphasized that proper commissioning is critical in ensuring that communities fully benefit from the government’s investments, and that timely utilization of completed projects will be treated as a key performance indicator for local authorities going forward.
