ZANIS — Livingstone residents have expressed concern over the delay in commissioning several Constituency Development Fund (CDF) projects in the area, particularly the long-awaited Mwandi Police Post.
Community members are calling on local government officials to provide updates and expedite the preparation for the commissioning of the completed projects to allow the public to start using them.
The residents cited the Mwandi Police Post as being one of the points of discussion for a long time, despite many residents complaining of the increasing crime rate in the area.
Speaking in separate interviews with ZANIS, the residents stated that they have been waiting for the police post to be commissioned for many months.
Mary Zulu said it is disheartening to hear about crime incidents every day that could have been prevented if there was adequate police presence in the area.
Another resident, Joseph Chanda said the lack of a police presence has left the community vulnerable, “We need our government to prioritise these projects. Our safety depends on it,” he urged.
Sibongile Siwale, said, “The police post has been under construction for too long, and we need it commissioned.”
Livingstone City Council Public Relations Manager, Melvin Mukela, assured that preparations for handing over completed projects have advanced, adding that the council is ensuring that CDF funds are being used for their intended purpose.
He indicated that all approved projects have been undertaken and completed, with only one exception.
Mr Mukela stressed that from 2022 to 2023, all community projects were completed, and those not yet commissioned are ready for handover.
“People should not worry about the utilisation of CDF in Livingstone. We are actively monitoring progress to ensure that funds are not mishandled,” he said.
ZANIS
