Development taking place creates hope for brighter future
NEWTON SIBANDA
N THE hinterland of Eastern Province’s Chadiza District, signs of transformation are becoming increasingly visible, driven largely by Constituency Development Fund (CDF). From new classroom blocks to health facilities and township road upgrades, the fund is not just changing infrastructure, it is changing lives.
Education gets a much-needed boost
For years, Chiseba Primary School in Chief Zingalume’s area had just one classroom block to cater to learners from early childhood education through Grade Seven. The strain on facilities meant that many pupils had to conduct their lessons in nearby churches.
“It was difficult to accommodate all the pupils.
But in 2023, the construction of a second 1×3 classroom block through CDF brought a real change. The learning environment is now more conducive,” recalls Kennedy Mwale, head teacher at Chiseba.
The new block, along with the delivery of 105 desks, has improved both enrolment and performance at the school. “We no longer have pupils sitting on the floor. It makes a big difference,” Mwale said, his voice brimming with pride.
And Chiseba is not alone. Other schools across the district have similarly benefitted.
At Chiseba Primary School, a 1×3 classroom block was constructed in 2022 at a cost of K474,411.95. Chamandala Primary School saw the construction of a staff house completed in 2023, funded at K498,977.55.
One of the most notable achievements, however, is in school furniture procurement.
In 2022 alone, Chadiza District procured and delivered 3,450 desks at a total cost of K4,010,400.
“We have overshot our target in terms of desks in Chadiza,” said Chadiza Town Council public relations officer Tinah Phiri.
Bringing health services closer
Access to healthcare has long been a struggle in many rural is changing.
One of the most impactful projects is the construction of Mwala Rural Health Centre (RHC), currently at 10 percent completion. The facility, part of the 2025 CDF projects, is being built by Solovele Construction Company, a local firm run by Solomon Phiri and his wife, Vele Phiri.
“We are happy because we are being empowered. In the past, contractors would be brought in from Lusaka. Now, we are growing our business through CDF. Mwala Clinic is our sixth project,” Mrs Phiri said.
The new health centre is expected to drastically cut down travel time for patients, especially in emergency cases.
Currently, the nearest clinic is 8 kilometres away, with referrals sent to Chadiza District Hospital, another 12 kilometres from there.
“We are happy that health services are being brought to our doorsteps,” Ospinah Sakala, a resident of Kumazi village, said.
For Gertrude Phiri, a 48-year-old single parent, the development is nothing short of a blessing. “People used to die or give birth on the way to distant clinics. Now, with this new facility and electricity from the REA solar plant, we see progress we never imagined,” she said.
Three other OPD blocks are under construction at Kapachi, Chamaseche, and Chafulu, each equipped with water reticulation systems and furniture.
These are being implemented under the 2025 CDF at costs ranging from K1.3 million to K1.35 million, with all currently at 10 percent completion.
“We are building four OPD clinics this year. We want to decongest the district hospital and reduce distances for patients,” Chadiza Town Council public relations officer Tinah Phiri said.
Chamandala Health Post has also seen critical upgrades. A maternity annex built at a cost of K581,130.90 and a water reticulation system installed at K270,390 were completed in 2023.
According to Richard Phiri, the facility’s in-charge, these upgrades have significantly improved service delivery and patient dignity.
“Previously, the delivery room was just separated by a board from the waiting area.
The annex brings privacy and comfort,” Mr Phiri said. “We’re even planting flowers and fruit trees now.”
Local contractors empowered
A key feature of the CDF projects in Chadiza has been the emphasis on local contractor involvement. This shift has allowed small construction companies like Solovele to gain experience, build capacity, and contribute directly to their community’s development.
Involving local firms has not only improved service delivery but also kept money circulating within the district’s economy, creating jobs and opportunities.
Infrastructure and roads development
In addition to education and health projects, CDF is also funding essential infrastructure like road maintenance.
Maintenance of township roads is currently under way at 35 percent completion, with a budget of K3,262,000 allocated under 2025 CDF.
And that’s not all; major regional roads such as the Chipata–Chadiza road are being tarred, a project that promises to enhance connectivity, facilitate trade, and improve access to services.
“Kuza sinta kuno. Tiyamikila(This place will change. We are grateful),” Gertrude Phiri, a resident of Kumazi village, said.
A model for rural developmentFrom improved education infrastructure and access to health services to road maintenance and economic empowerment of local contractors, Chadiza District is becoming a case study in effective rural development, thanks to well-utilised CDF allocations.
The sentiment among the community is overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing renewed hope in public service delivery and local governance.
With continued investment and community participation, Chadiza is well on its way to a brighter, healthier, and more prosperous future.