Mansa Municipal Council has disbursed loans totaling Seven Million, Seven Hundred Thirteen Thousand, Eight Hundred and Forty-Six Kwacha (K7,713,846.00) under the 2025 Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to 39 beneficiaries from Bahati and Mansa Central constituencies. Most of the beneficiaries comprising companies and cooperatives each received the maximum loan amount of Two Hundred Thousand Kwacha (K200,000.00).
Speaking during the handover ceremony held yesterday at Council Rest House, Mansa District Commissioner, Mrs. Ireen Chivweta, who represented Luapula Province Minister, Hon. Nason Musonda, said the loan empowerment component is designed to provide accessible financial capital aimed at boosting businesses and creating employment opportunities.
Mrs. Chivweta stated that the government believes these loans will significantly improve the livelihoods of citizens and enhance the economic status of the district. She added that the economic transformation of local communities is central to the government’s development agenda, as demonstrated by the continued prioritization and disbursement of CDF funds toward loan financing.
She urged beneficiaries to repay their loans, stressing that a loan is not a grant. Mrs. Chivweta also encouraged unsuccessful applicants not to be discouraged but to apply again in future cycles.
His Worship the Mayor of Mansa, Mr. Njikho Musuku, expressed gratitude to the government for increasing the CDF allocation. He encouraged beneficiaries to fulfill their repayment obligations, highlighting that the five percent (5%) interest rate on CDF loans is significantly lower than those offered by commercial lending institutions. He further noted that the local economy cannot rely on government alone and emphasized the importance of empowering the private sector to supplement government efforts in driving development.
Town Clerk, Dr. Josephine Mwanza, echoed the Mayor’s sentiments, pointing out the challenges surrounding loan repayment. She emphasized that timely repayment is crucial, as recovered funds are reinvested into the revolving fund to allow more citizens to benefit from the programme. She urged beneficiaries to prioritize repayment as they implement their projects.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Mr. Leonard Simaoke, one of the beneficiaries, expressed appreciation to the government for the empowerment opportunity. He pledged to use the funds responsibly and committed to timely repayment, drawing inspiration from lessons learned from previous beneficiaries.
The handover ceremony was attended by CDFC Chairpersons from both Mansa Central and Bahati constituencies, councilors from various wards, and a representative from the Luapula Province Local Government Office.
Issued by:
Dorothy Ng’ambi (Ms)
Assistant Public Relations Officer
Mansa Municipal Council
0973898393
