The Livingstone City Council held three Constituency Development Fund (CDF) feedback and engagement meetings in Simoonga Ward to sensitise residents on CDF Community Projects, Grants, Loans, and Bursaries for skills training and secondary boarding schools.
Given the ward’s vast and mostly rural nature, the meetings were held at Simoonga Community Hall, Katubya Community School, and Kamatanda Apostolic Church.
Council Officers from Planning, Finance, Engineering, and Public Relations guided communities on:
– How to participate in selecting community projects that benefit the ward.
– The application process for CDF components, including grants, loans, and bursaries.
– Addressing challenges faced during applications and project implementation.
Public Relations Manager Mr. Melvin Mukela emphasised that the Council does not impose projects on wards. Instead, communities are encouraged to propose projects based on their own priorities and needs. He urged residents to attend community meetings and actively take part in decision-making.
Chief Accountant Mr. Clement Bwalya clarified that bursary and skills training funds are paid directly to schools and colleges, and not given in cash to beneficiaries.
Engineer Kelvin Mukosa outlined planned 2025 projects for Simoonga Ward, which include construction of a market shelter at Simoonga and widening, grading and graveling about 7.75 km of road, a directive from the Republican President.
Social Economic Planner Mr. Wilima Chifunilo encouraged residents with shared interests to form co-operatives of at least 10 members and have them registered. He explained that this is an important step for community members to be eligible to access CDF grants for their business and development ideas.
Simoonga Ward Councillor Peter Manyama encouraged residents to start strategising on potential projects for 2026, noting that applications are currently open for community projects, grants, and bursaries.
During the meetings, the community identified lack of access to water as a major challenge. They were encouraged to consider applying for water reticulation projects for the 2026 CDF allocation.
In the past, Simoonga Ward has benefited from CDF through the construction of a classroom block and staff house at Katubya Community School, provision of desks, and sinking of a borehole.
CDF APPLICATIONS FOR 2026 ARE OPEN AND CLOSING DATE IS 30TH SEPTEMBER, 2025. PLEASE APPLY NOW!!!!!
