Lusaka, Zambia — 14 May 2025
In a compelling appearance on Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation’s (ZNBC) Development Forum yesterday, Hon. Darius Mulunda, Member of Parliament for Siavonga Constituency, laid out a bold and strategic roadmap for the district’s development. Themed “Unlocking Siavonga’s Development Potential”, the forum offered Hon. Mulunda a national platform to share tangible progress made under his leadership, acknowledge existing challenges, and chart a course for inclusive and sustainable growth.
Top of Hon. Mulunda’s agenda was enhancing safety through comprehensive street lighting initiatives. He noted that plans are already underway to install lights across township areas and within CDF zones. The project, he stated, aims to bolster public safety, reduce accidents, and make night-time activity safer for both pedestrians and motorists.
Hon. Mulunda commended the UPND government for the historic increase in the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) from a mere K1.6 million under the previous administration to K36 million. This financial empowerment, he said, has translated into tangible benefits across all 12 wards, including the construction of clinics and schools. These developments have drastically reduced distances to essential services, ushering in a new era of social and economic inclusion.
Drawing from his experience as former Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) under the Local Government portfolio, Hon. Mulunda acknowledged the growing pains councils face in managing large CDF allocations. He highlighted that PAC had issued key recommendations to the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development to strengthen accountability frameworks and improve project delivery at the local level.
Responding to public concerns regarding delays in projects like Chimutengo Market, the new bus station, and the Civic Centre, Hon. Mulunda stressed the importance of timely and transparent execution. He confirmed that new administrative measures are being introduced to prevent such setbacks and to ensure that communities benefit from development projects without unnecessary delays.
In a significant announcement, Hon. Mulunda confirmed that funding has been secured for the long-delayed Chimutengo Market. He praised the Siavonga Town Council for resolving previous hurdles and stated that construction is set to begin shortly. Additionally, he reaffirmed his 2024 submission to the Minister of Local Government requesting major infrastructure developments, including a modern hospital, harbor, and bus station. While these projects are capital-intensive, he pledged to pursue them “brick by brick.”
Providing an update on the new Siavonga Civic Centre, Hon. Mulunda said the project is now 80% complete, with offices finalised and only the council chamber pending. He also highlighted recent sanitation improvements, including ablution blocks near Chimutengo Market, Kanyelele Market, and the harbour, with more facilities planned for the new Monday Market.
Hon. Mulunda acknowledged the poor state of road infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. He cited President Hakainde Hichilema’s directive to rehabilitate all feeder roads and noted the council’s move to procure a bulldozer to expedite road maintenance and construction.
On energy, he decried the stalled Gwembe Valley electrification project and high electricity tariffs despite Siavonga’s contribution to national power generation. He called for equitable access to electricity, especially for rural residents.
Water scarcity remains a pressing issue in parts of Siavonga. Hon. Mulunda detailed ongoing efforts to drill boreholes using CDF resources and to collaborate with the Southern Water and Sanitation Company (SWASCO) to expand water access for both people and livestock in underserved communities.
Turning to tourism, Hon. Mulunda described Siavonga as a hidden gem with vast untapped potential. He spotlighted attractions such as Bumbi in Nanyanga Ward, the dam wall, and water sports activities. To unlock this potential, he stressed the need for improved road access and strategic marketing to position the district as a premier tourism hub capable of generating jobs and stimulating local economies.
In closing, Hon. Mulunda expressed deep gratitude to the central government, Siavonga Town Council, and residents for their continued support. He reaffirmed his commitment to transparent governance and sustainable development, pledging to work collaboratively to transform Siavonga into a vibrant and prosperous district for all.
“Development is not an event—it is a process. But with shared responsibility and a common vision, we will build Siavonga brick by brick, together,” he concluded.
