{"id":886,"date":"2026-04-09T13:16:01","date_gmt":"2026-04-09T13:16:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.upndzambia.africa\/?page_id=886"},"modified":"2026-04-09T14:20:25","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T14:20:25","slug":"muchinga-province","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.upndzambia.africa\/?page_id=886","title":{"rendered":"Muchinga Province"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Muchinga Province’s CDF Revolution: A Five\u2011Year Chronicle of Growth, Empowerment, and Lasting Impact (2021\u20132026)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Constituency Development Fund (CDF) has emerged as the most powerful engine for grassroots transformation in Zambia’s Muchinga Province. What began as a modest allocation of K1.6 million per constituency in 2021<\/strong> has evolved into a transformative development force, culminating in a landmark K40 million per constituency in 2026<\/strong>. This remarkable 2,400% increase<\/strong> has propelled the region \u2013 from the provincial capital of Chinsali to the remote border districts of Nakonde and Chama \u2013 to actively construct modern health facilities, classrooms, roads, and launch thousands of economic empowerment initiatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Muchinga Province has become a showcase of how decentralised funding, community\u2011driven decision\u2011making, and political will can deliver tangible, life\u2011changing 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Funding Surge: From Millions to Billions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The government’s decision to drastically increase CDF allocations has fundamentally transformed Muchinga 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<\/strong>. Muchinga Province’s eight districts \u2013 Chinsali, Isoka, Nakonde, Mpika, Kanchibiya, Lavushimanda, Shiwang’andu, Mafinga, and Chama \u2013 have all benefited from this unprecedented financial injection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The province has performed exceptionally well in CDF implementation, with the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development awarding the region an impressive 90% performance rating<\/strong> following a high\u2011level monitoring tour in 2025. Minister Gift Sialubalo commended Muchinga for demonstrating “how impactful the CDF can be when there is strong local leadership, transparency and citizen involvement”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Completed Projects: Transforming Communities Across Muchinga Province<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chinsali District: The Provincial Capital Leads by Example<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chinsali District has emerged as a regional model for CDF utilisation. The government commissioned 13 CDF projects for Chinsali Central Constituency at a total cost of K5,030,042.84<\/strong>. Among these are a mothers’ shelter at Chinsali District Hospital (K311,985.80)<\/strong> and solar units for the mortuary at Chinsali District Hospital (K306,000.00)<\/strong>, significantly enhancing maternal healthcare and medical infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During a ministerial tour in March 2026, the Provincial Minister inspected several completed projects awaiting handover, including the Kabuta Market Shelter<\/strong> \u2013 a modern trading environment for local marketers \u2013 and a mothers’ shelter at Chinsali General Hospital<\/strong> providing comfortable accommodation for expectant and nursing mothers. A fully furnished 1\u00d73 classroom block at Mulakupikwa Secondary School<\/strong> has also been completed, ready to enhance the learning environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The district has also made significant progress on health infrastructure, with construction of Nkweto and Shimuinda Health Posts<\/strong> in Kaunga and Chunga wards advancing to 75% completion. These facilities, built at a cost of K1,375,000 and K1,345,876 respectively<\/strong>, will serve over 15,000 residents and end the long distances of 17\u201323 kilometres that locals previously had to travel for healthcare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In December 2025, Chinsali Municipal Council signed eleven contracts amounting to K10,626,582.51<\/strong> for critical construction works, including a maternity annex at Chilunda Health Post (K1,879,035.38), completion of Choshi Health Post (K1,346,094.56), two 1\u00d73 classroom blocks at Mulakupikwa and Cheswa (totalling K2,853,345.61), and three bridges and crossing points including the Kasansu bridge (K2,305,187.46).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Isoka District: 110% Performance \u2013 The Highest in the Province<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Isoka District received the highest performance rating of 110%<\/strong> from Minister Sialubalo, recognising its exemplary CDF delivery. The district has demonstrated overwhelming community enthusiasm, with the CDF Committee receiving 1,165 applications for 2025<\/strong>, including 306 grant applications, 150 loan applications, 568 skills development bursaries, 11 secondary school bursaries, and 130 community project proposals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Four major CDF projects valued at over K4 million<\/strong> have been completed and are ready for commissioning: Malale Health Post (K1.3 million), Chizongolo Health Post (K1.6 million), Ndeke Primary School staff house (over K610,000), and a 1\u00d73 classroom block with desks at Kabonde Primary School (over K1 million)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The district has also commenced a K1.2 million solar energy project<\/strong> to install solar power systems at the Isoka Town Council, National Assembly Constituency Office, and District Administration offices under the 2025 CDF, promoting sustainable energy solutions in government operations. Additionally, the council approved 33 additional beneficiaries<\/strong> for 2025 CDF empowerment loans amounting to K1,965,000<\/strong>, supporting agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and other income\u2011generating ventures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nakonde District: 100% Performance and Historic Infrastructure<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nakonde District achieved a 100% performance rating<\/strong> and officially handed over 22 completed projects \u2013 13 funded under the CDF and 9 under the Ward Development Fund<\/strong> \u2013 in May 2025. Minister Sialubalo commended the district’s performance, particularly its CDF loan recovery rate of nearly 30%<\/strong>, noting that the district was performing better than many others across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key infrastructure achievements include the Stevenson Bridge construction project<\/strong> under the 2024 CDF, awarded at a contract sum of K949,000<\/strong>. The project, which commenced on 3rd October 2024, reached 95% completion by June 2025 and was already opened for traffic, enhancing safe movement of people and goods during the rainy season to Mukoma, Ntindi, Yolo, and Madwa villages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mpika District: Rated 105% for Outstanding Delivery<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mpika District earned an exceptional 105% performance rating<\/strong>, with Minister Sialubalo urging other local authorities to emulate its best practices. The district has disbursed over K12 million in loans and grants<\/strong> under the CDF empowerment component between 2022 and 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key projects inspected during the ministerial tour include the Mpika Urban Clinic Mortuary and Maternity Wing<\/strong>, traffic lights along the Great North Road, and the Modern Bus Station<\/strong>. The government has also injected over K4.6 million<\/strong> towards the construction of a new state\u2011of\u2011the\u2011art Mazingo abattoir<\/strong> in Mpika District. Additionally, Mpika Town Council has secured 9 hectares of land<\/strong> for the construction of a modern solar plant<\/strong> connected to the national grid, which will generate long\u2011term revenue for the council.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kanchibiya District: 23 Life\u2011Changing Projects Commissioned<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kanchibiya District has achieved a historic milestone with the commissioning of 23 life\u2011changing projects under the 2024\u20112025 CDF cycle<\/strong>, representing a massive investment of K11,539,783.72<\/strong>. These projects include the first police post in the district at Chalabesa<\/strong>, a mothers’ shelter at Chalabesa Mini Hospital<\/strong>, the Kanchibiya Community Radio Station<\/strong>, water reticulation schemes at multiple villages and schools, classroom blocks at Kabinga Secondary School and Mulonga Primary School, and maternity annexes at Chikakala Rural Health Post.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The government has committed K17,976,277.94<\/strong> to various community projects in Kanchibiya targeting education, health, infrastructure, energy, and communication. Completed projects include classroom blocks at Kabulamwiko, Mulonga, and Tundwa primary schools, 4,913 desks distributed across all wards<\/strong>, the completion of the maternity wing at Chikakala Rural Health Centre, and the full completion of the Washeni Bridge project<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lavushimanda District: Multi\u2011Million Kwacha Transformation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lavushimanda District has been a standout performer under the enhanced CDF. Since 2022, the district under Mfuwe Constituency has benefited substantially from CDF, with key deliverables including construction of 6 health posts valued at K3.8 million, 17 classroom blocks valued at K12 million, procurement of 3,560 desks valued at K3.2 million, and earth\u2011moving equipment valued at K6.7 million<\/strong>, with empowerment grants and loans benefiting over 500 groups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The government has disbursed over K5.9 million in grants and loans to 164 groups<\/strong> under the 2024 CDF in Lavushimanda \u2013 K3,636,000 for loans to 36 beneficiaries<\/strong> and K2,304,000 for grants to 128 beneficiaries<\/strong>. During a ceremony in December 2025, the Minister handed over cheques totalling K3,736,935.61 to 138 CDF loan beneficiary groups<\/strong> and a fleet of earth\u2011moving machinery valued at K6,969,620<\/strong>, comprising a tipper truck, low\u2011bed truck and trailer, 5000\u2011litre water bowser, and a tractor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Construction of the Outpatient Department at Chifinshi Rural Health Centre<\/strong> using the 2025 CDF allocation has reached an advanced stage at 70% completion, with works funded at slightly over K1.5 million<\/strong> including the OPD building, ablution block, and water reticulation system. The 2025 CDF allocation is also facilitating the construction of an additional dormitory and ablution block at Red Rhino Boarding School<\/strong> in Mpumba Chiefdom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Serenje District: K23.8 Million Worth of Community Projects<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Serenje District has witnessed a substantial milestone with twenty community development projects valued at K23.8 million<\/strong> officially commissioned in Muchinga and Serenje Central constituencies. Serenje Central received nine projects worth K12.5 million<\/strong>, while Muchinga Constituency benefited from eleven projects valued at K11.3 million<\/strong>. The projects, funded through CDF from 2022 to 2024, include rural health centres, classroom blocks, staff houses, water reticulation systems, and the distribution of over 7,600 desks<\/strong> to schools across both constituencies. The Permanent Secretary noted that this surge in development projects is directly attributable to the government’s decision to increase CDF allocation from K1.6 million to K36.1 million per constituency, describing it as “development in action” that delivers “hope, dignity, and opportunity”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shiwang’andu District: Revived Civic Centre and Digital Health Innovation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shiwang’andu District has achieved a historic milestone with the commissioning of the Shiwang’andu Civic Centre<\/strong>, a project that began in January 2015 but was abandoned and revived in 2023 through the CDF. Vice President Mutale Nalumango officially handed over the fully completed and furnished centre, with K5,142,000 spent on construction, K981,400 on furniture, and K194,000 on curtains<\/strong> \u2013 totalling over K6 million.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The district has also made history as the first district in the country to fully digitalise its healthcare system<\/strong> using CDF funds. Shiwang’andu Town Council procured nine Starlink internet kits worth K160,000<\/strong> from the 2024 CDF, connecting seven remote health facilities including Kalalantekwe Mini Hospital and the District Health Office, enabling frontline health workers to consult with specialists online without referring patients unnecessarily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A 1\u00d73 classroom block at Kalonga Primary School<\/strong> was commissioned at a cost of K850,000<\/strong> using the 2023 CDF, further advancing the school environment. Additionally, over 10,566 people have benefited from the Cash for Work programme<\/strong> under CDF in the district, which has helped improve livelihoods as part of the drought response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mafinga District: K5 Million Disbursed to 178 Cooperatives<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mafinga District has disbursed over K5 million in CDF<\/strong> to cooperatives and clubs. A total of 178 cooperatives and clubs benefited from the 2023 CDF loans and grants component<\/strong>, with 53 groups receiving K3,227,784 in loans<\/strong> and 125 groups receiving K2.121 million in grants<\/strong>. Beneficiaries have used the funds to boost businesses ranging from poultry farming to stationery supplies, with one beneficiary noting that since 1994 he had never benefited from any government loan until the CDF.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chama District: Road Upgrades and Health Infrastructure<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chama District has made significant progress in road infrastructure using CDF. The District Commissioner expressed satisfaction with the upgrading of roads, with the government’s goal to connect all wards in the district with a good road network before the 2026 general elections<\/strong>. In Chama North Constituency, works have commenced on the Kambombo\u2011Sitwe road<\/strong>, while in Chama South Constituency, the Chikwa\u2011Chasato road<\/strong> has made significant progress, with other roads including Mwimba, Katangalinga\u2011Kapembe, and Muyukwa\u2011Kasela slated for upgrade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Construction works are ongoing on a health post and a 1\u00d73 classroom block in Mwalala Ward of Chama district<\/strong>, with local contractors making steady progress under the CDF.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Economic Empowerment: Grants, Loans, and Skills Development Across the Province<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond infrastructure, the CDF has been a catalyst for economic empowerment and skills development across Muchinga Province. The government has prioritised the 20% allocation for youth and women empowerment<\/strong> and 20% for secondary school and skills development bursaries<\/strong> under the CDF framework.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Mpika, the Town Council disbursed over K12 million in loans and grants<\/strong> under the CDF empowerment component between 2022 and 2025. In Mpika Constituency, 330 vulnerable students received K3 million in education bursaries<\/strong> for 2024. In Lavushimanda, over 500 groups have benefited from empowerment grants and loans<\/strong>. In Mafinga, 178 cooperatives and clubs received K5 million in CDF.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Chinsali, 102 CDF empowerment grants were approved under the 2025 CDF<\/strong>. In Isoka, the council approved 33 additional beneficiaries for 2025 CDF empowerment loans amounting to K1,965,000. In Serenje, the 2025 allocation provides K4.98 million in empowerment grants for 133 clubs and cooperatives<\/strong>, skills development sponsorship for 518 youths<\/strong>, and secondary boarding school bursaries for over 449 students<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ongoing Projects: Building on Momentum<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n