Western Province’s CDF Revolution: A Five‑Year Chronicle of Growth, Empowerment, and Lasting Impact (2021–2026)

Introduction

The Constituency Development Fund (CDF) has emerged as the most powerful engine for grassroots transformation in Zambia’s Western Province. What began as a modest allocation of K1.6 million per constituency in 2021 has evolved into a transformative development force, culminating in a landmark K40 million per constituency in 2026. This remarkable 2,400% increase has propelled the region – from the ancient capital of Mongu to the remote border districts of Shangombo and Kalabo – to actively construct modern health facilities, classrooms, roads, and launch thousands of economic empowerment initiatives.

Western Province has become a showcase of how decentralised funding, community‑driven decision‑making, and political will can deliver tangible, life‑changing results. This article chronicles the key successes, amounts spent, and the districts transformed between 2021 and 2026, while also highlighting the ambitious projects currently underway.

The Funding Surge: From Millions to Billions

The government’s decision to drastically increase CDF allocations has fundamentally transformed Western Province’s development landscape. Across Zambia, the annual allocation per constituency has risen steadily: K25.7 million in 2022, K28.3 million in 2023, K30.6 million in 2024, K36.1 million in 2025, and K40 million in 2026. The national government has released a total of K5.26 billion under the 2025 CDF, representing 94 percent of the approved allocations to local authorities.

Western Province’s districts – Mongu, Kaoma, Senanga, Sesheke, Lukulu, Kalabo, Shangombo, Nalolo, Sioma, Mitete, Nkeyema, Sikongo, Luena, and others – have all benefited from this unprecedented financial injection. The province has also received 17 out of 19 ambulances under the CDF ambulance rollout, covering 89.5 percent of its allocation, strengthening emergency healthcare services across the region.

Completed Projects: Transforming Communities Across Western Province

The impact of the increased funding is most visible in the completed projects that now dot the province. Across every district, communities are celebrating new infrastructure that was once only a dream.

Mongu District: Presidential Delivery Unit Commends Quality Work

Mongu District has emerged as a regional model for CDF utilisation. The Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU) has expressed satisfaction with projects that Mongu Municipal Council is implementing under the CDF, commending the local authority for incorporating and implementing projects that have a positive socio‑economic impact on the community.

Key completed projects in Mongu include:

• Ilute Clinic Maternity Annex – The PDU inspected this facility, which has significantly improved maternal healthcare access in the area.
• Kasima Bulk Market shelters in Mongu Central Constituency, providing traders with decent working spaces.
• Maternity annexes constructed using CDF in both constituencies at a cost of K681,106.35.
• Sefula Road rehabilitation – A 2.3 kilometre stretch rehabilitated and maintained using the 2025 CDF Road Fund. When completed, Sefula road will provide easy access to surrounding schools and health facilities, while farmers and traders will gain easier access to markets, boosting economic growth.
• Earth‑moving equipment – A Motor Grader, Earth Roller Compactor, Tractor Backhoe Loader, and Water Bowser have been procured using CDF to maintain roads across the district.

On the economic front, the PDU team met with beneficiaries of loans and grants at Barotse Shopping Mall, including the Mongu Deaf Multipurpose Cooperative, which specialises in carpentry, and Mutuya Women’s Club, a women‑led cooperative involved in village banking.

Kaoma District: First CDF‑Funded Parliamentary Office in the Province

Kaoma District has achieved a historic milestone with the commissioning of the Kaoma Central Constituency Parliamentary Office – the first CDF‑funded parliamentary office in Western Province. Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, National Assembly Speaker Dr. Nelly B.T. Mutti described the office as a major step towards strengthening participatory democracy and bringing Parliament closer to the people. Western Province Minister Hon. Mbangweta Akapelwa noted that the project “sets a benchmark for other constituencies in the province” and is “a practical example of how the Constituency Development Fund can transform communities when properly managed”.

Other notable CDF projects in Kaoma include:

• A 1×3 classroom block at Kakombwana Primary School – described as a turning point for both the school and the wider community, replacing overcrowded spaces and temporary shelters.
• A new staff house at Kashompa Primary School – the first ever permanent house at a school where teachers previously lived in thatched mud houses.
• A new ambulance procured for Mangango Mission Hospital – enhancing healthcare delivery, particularly for emergency referrals.
• A 1×2 classroom block at Libinga Primary School constructed at a cost of K492,000 to create a good learning space in remote areas.
• A mother’s shelter at Mangango Mission Hospital, currently under construction, to provide a safe environment for expectant mothers from remote areas.

Senanga District: K5 Million in Empowerment Funds and Earth‑Moving Equipment

Senanga District has made significant strides in both infrastructure and economic empowerment. The Senanga Town Council paid out over K5 million of empowerment loans and grants to 174 women and youth beneficiaries under the 2024 CDF. One recipient noted, “We want to venture into climate resilience and livestock projects to fight hunger and drought”.

The local authority also procured four pieces of earth‑moving equipment for K8 million using the 2023 CDF, which will be used to maintain township roads and spur economic growth in the district. Additionally, eight completed health and education infrastructure projects, funded by the 2022 CDF at a cost of K3 million, were handed over to the community.

Senanga Town Council has also issued tenders for the construction of a 2 km gravel road from the Senanga‑Mongu road to Lyamutinga Combined School and a 1×3 classroom block at Senanga Day Secondary School.

Sesheke District: Six Projects Commissioned in a Single Ceremony

Sesheke District has witnessed an unprecedented wave of development. In June 2025, Sesheke Town Council commissioned six community projects across Maondo, Mulimambango, and Silumbu wards:

• A 1×3 classroom block at Maondo Secondary School – K415,862.
• Rehabilitation of the Fish Market – K239,187.
• A 1×3 classroom block at Kande Primary School – K910,831.
• A 1×3 and a 1×2 classroom block at Neyanda Primary School – K714,904 and K400,500 respectively.
• A Water Bowser for firefighting and water supply – K2,187,000.

The Member of Parliament for Sesheke Central, Hon. Romeo Kangombe, emphasised that the newly commissioned classroom blocks will greatly enhance the learning environment, particularly during cold and rainy seasons when pupils previously had to learn in makeshift pole‑and‑mud structures. The rehabilitated Fish Market will address long‑standing challenges faced by fish traders who previously operated in unsafe and unhygienic places, contributing to the growth of Sesheke’s local economy.

In March 2026, Sesheke Town Council commissioned two additional 1×3 classroom blocks at Lilonga and Katete Primary Schools. Notably, these new classroom blocks have been electrified using solar power, enabling learning activities to continue even during evening hours. District Commissioner Alex Namenda confirmed that the newly constructed classroom blocks have been fully furnished with desks to ensure that every child can sit comfortably while attending lessons.

Lukulu District: 36 Classroom Blocks Built in Four Years

Lukulu District has achieved remarkable progress in education infrastructure. In October 2025, the government commissioned three CDF projects in Lukulu East Constituency worth over K2 million, including two 1×3 classroom blocks and one health post. The Member of Parliament disclosed that the constituency has so far built 36 classroom blocks within four years, an achievement he described as unprecedented in the area’s history.

Residents have expressed profound gratitude for the health post. Munalula Munalula from the community shared: “We used to walk four hours from Silonga to Mbanga to access health services. We are very grateful to the government for constructing a health post here”.

On the economic front, the Nyakamizhi Club from Luanchuma Ward received a K20,000 CDF grant under the 2024 allocation to venture into farming. The club purchased two oxen for ploughing and an oxcart for transportation, planted maize for sale, and plans to expand into fish trading.

Additionally, 195 youths in Lukulu East Constituency were awarded skills development bursaries valued at K4,670,813 under the 2025 CDF to pursue courses in driving, computer studies, electrical technology, bricklaying, food production, fashion design, and agriculture.

Kalabo District: New Truck and Classroom Block for Rural Schools

Kalabo District has demonstrated effective CDF utilisation. The Kalabo Town Council procured a brand‑new 4X4 Utility Truck valued at K2,287,955.27 under the 2024 CDF, to be used for transportation of relief food, building materials for community projects, and solid waste management.

A 1×3 classroom block, staff house, and residential DVIP toilet at Lunje Primary School in Chilele Ward was completed at a contract sum of K319,874.15. Funds have already been set aside in the 2025 CDF allocation to install solar‑powered electricity at the school in line with the Presidential directive to install solar power in public institutions.

Kalabo Town Council has also initiated CDF sensitization meetings across all 24 wards to ensure that local stakeholders are well‑informed and actively involved in the planning and execution of CDF projects, promoting transparency, accountability, and community‑driven development.

Shangombo District: Commended as a Best Performer

Shangombo District has been recognised as a best performer by the Parliamentary Committee on Local Governance and Housing for its exemplary performance in implementing CDF projects. Out of 26 approved projects for 2023, Shangombo Town Council successfully completed 24, with one project in progress and only one remaining outstanding.

The committee praised the council’s leadership and management for ensuring efficient and timely delivery of community projects, which include schools, health posts, and infrastructure upgrades. The commendation positions Shangombo among the best‑performing councils in the country, serving as a model for others to emulate.

Nalolo District: 38 Projects Commissioned Valued at K13 Million

Nalolo District has witnessed a transformative wave of development. The government commissioned 38 CDF projects across Nalolo Parliamentary Constituency, collectively valued at K13 million – 17 projects on the East Bank and 21 projects on the West Bank. Notable among these are:

• Royal House Construction in Muoyo Ward – K848,020.94.
• Maternity Annex at Muoyo Rural Health Centre – K1,195,876.13.
• Solar water reticulation systems at Maande, Lunga, Lwambi, Kataba, and Nalolo primary schools.
• Flushable toilets at Lipaa, Makwibi, Matongo, Nanjucha, and Kataba primary schools.
• Staff house at Nalolo Royal Health Clinic – K454,294.

A total of 7,471 desks have been delivered, positively impacting over 27,000 learners across public schools in Nalolo.

The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development has approved 19 community projects valued at K17,750,444 for implementation in Nalolo District using the 2025 CDF, including construction of classroom blocks, maternity annexes, procurement of medical equipment, and new clinics equipped with solar power systems and water reticulation systems.

Nalolo Town Council has also allocated approximately K10.6 million from the 2026 CDF allocation to procure earth‑moving equipment to improve road infrastructure, alongside funds for medical equipment for selected health facilities.

Sioma District: Solar‑Powered Water Systems Transforming Remote Communities

Sioma District has achieved several historic milestones through CDF. The first‑ever solar‑powered water reticulation system in Mutomena Central has been completed – a historical milestone for the area. Other completed projects include:

• A rural health post at Sipangule in Mutomena Ward.
• 1×3 classroom blocks and staff houses in Sikabenga and Mbume wards.
• Construction of a 1×3 classroom block at Kandiana Primary School in Sioma Ward.
• Completion of a mortuary and installation of refrigeration at Nangweshi Mini Hospital.
• Construction of maternity annexes at Nangweshi Health Centre, Kaanja Health Centre, and Sitoti Health Centre.
• Construction of a solar‑powered water scheme at Nalwashi Primary School.

One representative of the communities in Mutomena expressed deep appreciation for the solar‑powered water reticulation system, emphasising how the project has addressed a critical challenge in the community.

Mitete District: 32 Projects Valued at K20 Million Handed Over

Mitete District has delivered an impressive portfolio of CDF projects. Mitete Town Council handed over 32 CDF and ZDSP projects valued at K20,133,737.81 in a single ceremony. These included:

• 11 classroom blocks across various wards.
• 6 staff houses for education and health sectors.
• 2 health posts at Lutumo and Washishi.
• 9 solar‑powered boreholes across various wards.
• A CDF 115 HP Speed Boat for improved connectivity.
• A TOYOTA Land Cruiser Ambulance for emergency healthcare response.
• A Block Making Slab and a Waste Management 85HP Tractor and Trailer.

The Provincial Local Government Officer for Western Province has praised Mitete Town Council for exemplary 2025 CDF projects implementation.

Nkeyema District: Eight Contracts Signed for 2025 CDF Projects

Nkeyema Town Council has signed eight construction contracts under the 2025 CDF Community Projects component, including 1×3 classroom blocks at Kabulungu Community School, Kandengo Primary School, Kayula Primary School, Makonde Community School, Moringa Primary School, and Nakuyuwa Primary School, as well as a community shed and an extension officer staff house at Kankwanda.

The council has also signed a contract for the procurement of a double‑stance tipper truck, an excavator, and a Tractor‑Loader‑Backhoe (TLB) with a ten‑ton roller drum compactor to complement the grader procured earlier in 2024 for opening up roads. The council has also handed over Kalale Clinic and Mudeu 1×3 classroom block to the community.

Economic Empowerment: Grants, Loans, and Skills Development Across the Province

Beyond infrastructure, the CDF has been a catalyst for economic empowerment and skills development across Western Province.

• Senanga District paid out over K5 million in empowerment loans and grants to 174 women and youth beneficiaries under the 2024 CDF.
• Shangombo District conducted financial literacy training for all approved beneficiaries of the 2025 CDF Empowerment Grants and Loans to ensure funds are used effectively.
• Lukulu District awarded skills development bursaries worth K4,670,813 to 195 youths.
• Nalolo District has disbursed loans and grants to numerous beneficiaries, with the council maintaining transparency through regular radio updates on CDF implementation.
• Mongu District has seen beneficiaries such as the Mongu Deaf Multipurpose Cooperative and Mutuya Women’s Club successfully utilising CDF funds to grow their businesses.

Ongoing Projects: Building on Momentum

Even as communities celebrate completed projects, the pipeline for 2025 and 2026 is robust. Many projects are either under construction or in advanced planning stages.

• Mongu District: Contracts for 2025 CDF projects have been signed, including completion of Imwiko Police Post, completion of Kapulanga Market, construction of a 1×3 classroom block and water scheme at Lifuti Primary School, and similar projects at Silili Primary School and Zwelopili Community School.
• Senanga District: A tender has been issued for construction of a 1×3 classroom block at Senanga Day Secondary School.
• Sesheke District: The drainage system in the Central Business District, funded under the 2024 CDF, stalled for a full year but has now commenced with the Zambia National Service (ZNS) engaged to complete the works.
• Lukulu District: A tender has been issued for the construction of Muwele Rural Health Centre in Lukulu Ward using the 2025 CDF.
• Kalabo District: Funds have been set aside in the 2025 CDF allocation to install solar‑powered electricity at Lunje Primary School.
• Shangombo District: The Cash for Work initiative is proving to be a valuable intervention, providing economic relief while promoting local development.
• Nalolo District: The council will spend a total of K23,178,013.69 on community projects under the 2026 CDF.
• Sioma District: The Member of Parliament is leading a comprehensive monitoring exercise to ensure ongoing CDF projects adhere to the highest quality standards and are completed on time.
• Mitete District: The council continues to implement additional CDF projects, with the Provincial Local Government Officer praising the exemplary implementation.
• Nkeyema District: Construction of the eight signed 2025 CDF projects is underway, with contracts ranging from three to five months.

Challenges and the Path Forward

Despite the overwhelming successes, the CDF implementation has faced challenges. The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development has reported that while Western Province has performed well, especially in ambulance distribution (89.5% coverage), there is still work to be done in ensuring all funds are fully utilised.

The government has warned against the misuse of CDF funds, with the Parliamentary Committee on Local Governance and Housing recommending improved financial record‑keeping, regular audits for loan beneficiaries, and enhanced loan recovery efforts to sustain the revolving nature of CDF financial support.

Nalolo Town Council Chairperson acknowledged challenges that some contractors face in ensuring timely delivery of CDF projects, especially in the West Bank due to poor road networks. However, he noted that government has provided about K3.2 million under CDF to improve selected rural roads in Nalolo Constituency, with work expected to start soon.

Conclusion

From 2021 to 2026, the Constituency Development Fund has rewritten the development story of Western Province. What was once a symbolic fund has become a practical tool for eradicating classroom shortages, bringing clean water to villages, equipping clinics with modern facilities and ambulances, constructing markets, police posts, and staff houses, and empowering thousands of entrepreneurs with loans and grants.

The evidence is clear: across Mongu, Kaoma, Senanga, Sesheke, Lukulu, Kalabo, Shangombo, Nalolo, Sioma, Mitete, Nkeyema, and beyond, the CDF has delivered. As Western Province Minister Hon. Mbangweta Akapelwa declared, the CDF is “a practical example of how the Constituency Development Fund can transform communities when properly managed”. With continued commitment to transparency, execution, and community participation, the next five years promise even greater transformation for the people of Western Province.

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Summary Table: Key CDF Investments in Western Province (2022–2026)

District	Key Investments	Amount (K)
Mongu	Ilute Clinic Maternity Annex, Kasima Bulk Market shelters, maternity annexes, Sefula Road, earth‑moving equipment, PDU‑commended loans/grants	681,106 + multiple
Kaoma	First CDF parliamentary office in province, Kakombwana classroom block, Kashompa staff house, ambulance, Libinga classroom block	492,000 + multiple
Senanga	174 empowerment beneficiaries, 8 infrastructure projects, 4 earth‑moving equipment, road tenders	5,000,000+ + 8,000,000
Sesheke	6 projects (3 classroom blocks, fish market, water bowser) + 2 additional classroom blocks (solar‑powered)	415,862 + 910,831 + 714,904 + 400,500 + 2,187,000 + multiple
Lukulu	3 projects (2 classroom blocks, health post), 36 classroom blocks (4 years), 195 skills bursaries, Nyakamizhi Club grant	2,000,000+ + 4,670,813 + 20,000
Kalabo	Utility truck, Lunje classroom block + staff house + toilet, solar power planned, ward sensitisation	2,287,955 + 319,874
Shangombo	24/26 projects completed (2023), best performer commendation, financial literacy training	Multiple
Nalolo	38 projects (K13M), 7,471 desks (27,000+ learners), 19 approved 2025 projects (K17.75M), K10.6M 2026 road equipment	13,000,000 + 17,750,444 + 10,600,000
Sioma	Solar water reticulation (first ever), health post, 2 classroom blocks + staff houses, mortuary, 3 maternity annexes, solar water scheme	Multiple
Mitete	32 projects (K20.1M) – 11 classrooms, 6 staff houses, 2 health posts, 9 solar boreholes, speed boat, ambulance	20,133,737
Nkeyema	8 construction contracts (classroom blocks, shed, staff house), tipper truck, excavator, TLB with roller	Multiple