• The funding is part of this year’s National Budget allocation for Rural Infrastructure Development.
• Funds have already been disbursed to the respective Local Authorities.
• Local Authorities must ensure the funded markets and bus station projects are successfully completed.

Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development says it has disbursed over K23, 000,000 to seven districts to accelerate rural development projects which include the construction of markets, bus stations, and rehabilitation of critical Crossing-Points.

Permanent Secretary for Administration Maambo Haamaundu said the funding is part of this year’s National Budget allocation for Rural Infrastructure Development under the Ministry and will support Mongu, Mufumbwe, Chongwe, Choma, Ndola, Serenje and Chasefu districts for various infrastructure projects.

Mr. Haamaundu stated that the funds have already been disbursed to the respective Local Authorities and urged them to expedite the commencement of works to improve the likelihood of local people in the Districts.

“Mongu Municipal Council had received K4, 000,000 for the construction of Kasima Bulk Market, Chongwe Municipal Council received K5, 000,000 for the construction of a market shelter, an ablution block, and other assorted infrastructure works, and Mufumbwe Town Council was given K5, 000,000 for construction of a Bus Transit Station and other assorted infrastructure works.”

“Choma Municipal Council had received K2, 291,789.33 for the construction of crossing points in the district, while Ndola City Council had received K3, 000,000.00 for the construction of a major Bridge in Bwana Mkubwa Constituency, which had been in a deplorable state in the recent years,” Mr. Haamaundu said.

He added that Serenje Town Council received K2, 000,000 for construction of Mpemba and Kababa Bridges, which are strategic crossing points. Chasefu Town Council received K873, 807.82 for the construction of Khuli-Khuli Crossing point, and K998, 572.08 was released for the installation of a new culvert in Khathale area within the District, bringing the total to K23, 164,169.23.

Mr. Haamaundu directed the Local Authorities to ensure the funded markets and bus station projects are successfully completed and submit progress reports.

“At the same time, ensure all targeted critical Crossing points are also urgently worked on to ensure easy movement of people, goods, and services during the 2023/2024 rainy season,” he said.

In August 2022, the Ministry disbursed amounts totaling K43 million to facilitate the construction of critical Crossing-Points and Road improvement works in selected Districts.

The Districts that benefited earlier include; Chama, Kasenengwa, Mongu, Chadiza, Gwembe, Vubwi, Mulobezi, Katete, and Mambwe.

This is according to a statement issued by Ministry’s Public Relations Officer Chila Namaiko.