CDF to Fund Electricity Projects
Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Hon. Garry Nkombo (centre) shares a light moment with Rural Electrification Authority (REA) Chief Executive Officer Linus Chanda (right) as Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development Permanent Secretary for Administration Maambo Hamaundu (left) looks on at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka after the signing ceremony.
President Hakainde Hichilema's ambition to generate an additional 2,000 megawatts of electricity and expand access to 66% of Zambians by 2030 is progressing with the recent signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) and local authorities across 152 constituencies.
These agreements aim to electrify public infrastructure, aligning with the Presidential Delivery Unit’s (PDU) target to optimize and achieve 98% Constituency Development Fund (CDF) utilization by 2025, addressing challenges in timely fund use for community projects.
Each council will allocate 1 million Kwacha from their CDF towards electrification projects, demonstrating President Hichilema's commitment to accelerating access to electricity and ensuring equitable development.
With the signing of 65 new MoUs, the total reaches 152, nearing the target of 156.
President Hichilema believes that aligning electrification plans with constituencies not only accelerates development but also ensures prudent use of CDF resources.
At the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, REA CEO Linus Chanda highlighted the authority's collaboration with local councils to identify key areas needing electrification.
“REA will work closely with local authorities to facilitate land acquisition and necessary permits for installing electrical infrastructure, such as solar power facilities. This partnership will streamline implementation and reduce delays. Constituencies can also plan for complete infrastructure projects, including schools and health centres,” Chanda stated.
He revealed that 286 priority rural electrification sites have been identified, with assessments completed for 62 sites to determine feasibility and requirements.
Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Honourable Garry Nkombo, who was the Guest of Honour at the signing ceremony, praised the decentralization and increase of the CDF by the United Party for National Development (UPND) as a commitment to equitable development, ensuring no one is left behind.
"My Government is aware of the challenges affecting rural communities due to low electricity access. We are deploying all available interventions to resolve this situation. I urge all local authorities who have not submitted their details to the REA to take advantage of this initiative to accelerate rural electrification through joint funding using the expanded CDF," Nkombo stated.
He emphasized that electrification is more than providing a basic amenity; it transforms lives, opens doors to opportunities, and drives socio-economic growth.
“Electricity ignites progress in education, healthcare, agriculture, and entrepreneurship. It enables modern technology use, improves productivity, and enhances the overall quality of life for our people,” Nkombo added.
The MoUs between REA and local authorities will lead to expanded electricity access, infrastructure development, community engagement, sustainability, and capacity building for local the people.