CDF Increases Development Funding as Remote Communities Await Basic Services

Government officials have visited one of the country’s most isolated regions, promising increased funding will address decades of underdevelopment that has left thousands without schools, healthcare or proper roads.

Special Assistant to the President for Politics Levy Ngoma travelled to the remote Kamwendo area of Mpumba Chiefdom, within the Muchinga escarpment, where communities remain cut off from basic social services.

The visit highlighted the stark reality facing many rural Zambians, despite significant increases in government development funding. The New Dawn Government has boosted Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocations from 1.6 million kwacha to 36.1 million kwacha - a more than twenty-fold increase aimed at stimulating grassroots development.

Sub-Chief Kamwendo painted a picture of isolation that characterises much of rural Zambia. "We do not have any basic facilities for the people. We are appealing to the government to plan development here," he told the visiting delegation.

The terrain itself presents formidable challenges. The Muchinga escarpment's rocky landscape has historically deterred infrastructure development, leaving residents struggling to access education, healthcare, transportation and even mobile network coverage.

For communities scattered across this unforgiving geography, children often walk hours to reach the nearest school, while medical emergencies can prove fatal due to the absence of nearby clinics and impassable roads.

Mr Ngoma acknowledged the government's responsibility to ensure development funds translate into tangible improvements. "The government has increased the CDF from 1.6 to 36 [million kwacha] in an effort to develop all corners of the country. We urge members of parliament and councillors to use these funds to develop areas such as this one," he said.

The presidential aide urged communities to maximise government initiatives already in place, including free education policies and cash-for-work programmes designed to improve rural livelihoods.

"I'm urging you to also take advantage of various interventions and initiatives we have put in place such as free education and cash for work to improve the wellbeing of people here," Mr Ngoma told community members.

Muchinga Province Minister Njawve Simutowe, who accompanied the delegation, reinforced the government's commitment to inclusive development. "We want development to take place everywhere. We have heard what you need and we will use the CDF to respond to some of the needs."