Government has disclosed that all the 12 districts in Northern Province have procured earth moving equipment using the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocation. Northern Province Permanent Secretary, Bernard Mpundu says the development is expected to improve road infrastructure and enhance agricultural productivity across the region. Speaking in an interview with the media in Kasama, Mr Mpundu said the acquisition of the machinery will support the construction and maintenance of feeder roads.
“The procurement of these machinery will help to support the construction and maintenance of feeder roads, which will in turn ease transportation challenges faced by farmers and community members,” he said. “Improved road networks will enable faster and more efficient transportation of farm produce to markets, while also enhancing mobility for residents within the districts,” he added. He has since urged local authorities to ensure that the equipment is put to immediate and effective use, emphasising that timely road works are crucial to supporting community development.
The Permanent Secretary also called on councils to regularly service the machines in order to maintain their efficiency and prolong their lifespan. He warned that the machinery must be used strictly for public development purposes and not for personal or private gain. Mr Mpundu further noted that the procurement of earth-moving equipment has helped the government reduce the high costs associated with hiring machinery whenever road works are required.
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Meanwhile, Luwingu District Commissioner, Chomba Chileshe has described the acquisition of the machinery as a major boost for the development of the district. Mr Chomba explained that the coming of the equipment will ensure that most of the feeder roads in the district are worked on. And Lupososhi Council Secretary, Sydney Hamooya expressed happiness with the acquisition of the equipment.
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