Minister of Tourism, Honourable Rodney Sikumba, has officially commissioned four Constituency Development Fund (CDF) projects worth K3, 218, 011, aimed at improving infrastructure and service delivery in the city.
The projects commissioned include:
Livingstone Taxi Rank – K599, 511.50 in Akapelwa Ward
Solar Streetlights – K896, 500 in Kariba Ward
Malota Community School Ablution Block – K472, 000 in Mulungushi Ward and
Phase II of the Botswana Drainage project – K1, 250, 000 in Ward
Speaking at the event, Honourable Sikumba reaffirmed government’s commitment to delivering development equitably across all provinces, stating that resources are no longer concentrated in Lusaka alone.
“The CDF is meant for the people,” he said. “We are bringing development closer to the communities. I believe this new taxi rank will bring order to the transport sector in our tourist capital.”
He urged members of the Taxi Association to protect the new infrastructure and take pride in maintaining it. Hon. Sikumba also praised the school feeding programme and reminded school administrators that education is now free, urging them to stop demanding PTA fees from parents.
Her Worship the Mayor of Livingstone, Constance Muleabai, echoed the MP’s sentiments, saying the new taxi rank is expected to eliminate illegal ranks, while the solar streetlights will help improve security in the city, particularly at night.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Banda, Chairperson of the Taxi and Bus Association, thanked the government for the Taxi Rank, noting that it would provide much-needed shelter for drivers during the rainy season and the heat during summer. He pledged that association members would remain law-abiding and committed to paying all taxes due to government.
And Akapelwa Ward Councillor John Banda expressed appreciation to the taxi drivers for their cooperation and patience during the implementation of the project, which he said demonstrated unity and commitment to progress.
