Today, the Permanent Secretary for Technical Services in the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr. Nicholas Phiri, held a press briefing to provide an update on the 2025 Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and outline plans for 2026. The briefing highlighted significant achievements in fund disbursement, community projects, educational and health infrastructure, and empowerment initiatives across the country. Mr. Phiri emphasized that government remains committed to ensuring effective utilisation of CDF allocations to benefit local communities.
Government, through the Ministry, released a total of K5,256,739,654.71 in CDF funding for 2025, representing 94 percent of allocations disbursed to local authorities. As of December 2025, utilisation stood at 86 percent, reflecting strong implementation across constituencies. A total of 2,985 community projects were approved at a cost of K2.9 billion, slightly lower in number than the 3,000 projects approved in 2024 but at a higher total cost, demonstrating increased investment per project. Additionally, 48,985 secondary school bursary beneficiaries were supported at a cost of K188 million, up from 33,932 beneficiaries at K134.7 million in 2024. Youth skills development bursaries reached 47,071 beneficiaries at K709 million, maintaining focus on empowering young people for sustainable livelihoods.
Empowerment loans continued to expand, with 15,827 community groups approved at a cost of K348 million, up from 13,833 groups in 2024. Loan beneficiaries increased to 6,694 at K421 million, compared to 5,265 beneficiaries at K493 million in the previous year. Mr. Phiri noted that while uptake remains strong, challenges persist in loan repayment, which currently stands at approximately nine percent. The Ministry plans to strengthen follow-up mechanisms to improve recovery rates and ensure sustainability of the programme.
In the education sector, 3,500 new classroom blocks were constructed in 2025, an increase from 2,932 in 2024, alongside delivery of staff houses and a cumulative total of 855,438 desks. Health infrastructure also saw major improvements, with 445 health posts and 309 maternity annexes completed, supported by 455 staff houses. Water and sanitation were enhanced through 3,103 boreholes and 361 ablution blocks constructed in schools, markets, and bus stations, reflecting a strong commitment to public health. Road development achieved 4,171 kilometres of roads completed across various constituencies, improving connectivity and transportation efficiency.
Notable achievements were recorded in Chienge, Mafinga, Mkushi South, Nyimba, Mpika, and Mkhaika constituencies, all attaining 100 percent utilisation of allocated CDF funds. Despite these successes, Mr. Phiri acknowledged gaps in project delivery and emphasised the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to address these challenges in the coming year.
On the Cash for Work programme, K2.8 million has been released to clear outstanding payments, with completion expected before the next phase begins within two weeks. The Permanent Secretary reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting community development, empowering youth, and enhancing public services through strategic implementation of the CDF.