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The Luapula Provincial Administration says it will soon begin auditing councils on their utilisation of the K3.2 million annual Constituency Development Fund (CDF) fuel allocation earmarked for feeder and community road works.
Luapula Province Permanent Secretary, Prudence Kangwa, announced the move during a courtesy call on Chief Mabumba of Mansa District, according to a statement issued on Sunday.
Kangwa said all councils had been asked to submit reports on the fuel component and would be subjected to verification to ensure the support was benefiting local communities.
“We asked all councils to submit what they have done with the fuel component, and we will be auditing them very soon to ensure the people are benefiting as intended,” she said.
Kangwa also said the government had strengthened regulatory structures in the mining sector to curb illegal mining and improve oversight.
She further disclosed that stalled chiefs’ palace construction projects had been cancelled and re-procured, following President Hakainde Hichilema’s dissatisfaction with the slow progress.
“The procurement process is very advanced now so that these palaces can be completed in record time,” she said.
On governance and security concerns, Kangwa assured traditional leaders of enhanced protection after reports that Chief Mabumba had allegedly received threats for expressing views during last year’s constitutional amendment consultations that differed from the Luapula Chiefs Council’s position.
“We encouraged everyone to freely submit even negative views during the consultations because that is democracy, but we would have preferred to receive an official report regarding the threats so that action can be taken,” she said.
Chief Mabumba underscored the need for open dialogue, saying leaders must be allowed to contribute to national processes without intimidation.
“I expect criticism and I welcome it, as long as it is constructive and rooted in good faith. Diverse opinions should be respected without hostility,” he said.
He also observed that some of the individuals allegedly issuing threats were former cadres who had migrated from the previous ruling party and continued similar behaviour under the current administration, warning that such conduct risked tarnishing the government’s image.
Chief Mabumba commended the Provincial Administration for its consistent communication and leadership on development programmes.
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