Solwezi, June 11, 2025, ZANIS — The Solwezi Municipal Council has disbursed a total of K1.6 Million to 99 cooperatives and other organised groups under the 2025 Constituency Development Fund (CDF) empowerment programme.

The move is aimed at enhancing livelihoods, boosting entrepreneurship, and creating employment.

Speaking during the handover ceremony in Solwezi today, Solwezi Central Member of Parliament, Stafford Mulusa, urged the beneficiaries to use the funds wisely to expand their businesses and improve their economic well being.

ZANIS reports that Mr Mulusa said the payment was a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to uplifting the lives of citizens by providing startup capital to enable self-sufficiency.

“The grants we are handing over today will have a positive impact on economic activities in the constituency, thereby, improving the living standards of our people,” he said.

Solwezi District Commissioner, Tradeson Mulofwa, also commended the government for fulfilling its promise to empower communities and improve livelihoods.

Meanwhile, Solwezi Mayor, Remmy Kalepa, assured the public that the local authority would ensure prudent management of public funds.

He emphasised that the empowerment grants had been distributed fairly across all 12 wards in the district.

And, beneficiaries from various sectors expressed their appreciation for the government’s inclusive approach.

Kennedy Mwenya, Chairperson of the Twikatane Association for Persons with Disabilities in Kyawama Ward, thanked the government for ensuring that people with disabilities are part of national empowerment efforts.

“We are grateful to the government for ensuring that persons with disabilities are also included in national activities aimed at improving livelihoods,” he said.

Others from Kyalalankuba Ward applauded the government for ensuring gender balance in the CDF initiative.

Reverend Goliath Malichini of Jordan Christian Ministry, said the church would use the grant to buy iron sheets and benches for their congregation.

In the creative sector, Kuwaha Kwa Nzambi Music Entertainment Club received K15, 000.

Club Representative, Clifford Kayombo, said the funds will be used to build a music studio aimed at promoting the local music industry.

“This is a joyful day for us. We have long waited for this support and we are thankful to the government. May they continue empowering more cooperatives and organised groups in need,” he said.