RESIDENTS of New Farms Ward and Chinyanja Ward in Chilanga Constituency have welcomed major development projects funded under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), with more than K2.8 million invested in health, education and trading infrastructure.
In New Farms Ward, a maternity wing annex at HST Hospice was constructed at a cost of K695,682.57, bringing much-needed maternity services closer to expectant mothers who previously had to travel long distances.
Meanwhile, in Chinyanja Ward, several projects were commissioned: a market shelter at Chinyanja Market built at K1,613,062.04 together with an ablution block and a water tank to improve sanitation for traders, and electrification of Westwood Primary School at K582,000, which will improve learning conditions and allow pupils to do computer practicals on-site.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Chilanga Member of Parliament Sipho Hlazo said the projects demonstrate government’s commitment to taking development closer to communities.
“It is with great pride and gratitude that I stand before you today for the official handover and commissioning of three important projects financed under the Constituency Development Fund: the maternity wing annex at HST Hospice in New Farms Ward, the electrification of Westwood Primary School, and the market shelter at Chinyanja Market,” Hlazo said.
Hlazo explained that the maternity annex was constructed to ensure mothers access safe delivery services without travelling long distances.
“The President’s vision is for every mother in Zambia to deliver her child in a clean, safe and dignified environment. This maternity annex therefore demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that no woman is exposed to unnecessary risks of travelling long distances to access safe maternity services,” he said.
Chilanga Council chairperson Champion Tembo said the projects show how the CDF programme is transforming communities.
“This event is not just about handing over a building. It is about celebrating a government programme that is transforming communities and improving the lives of our people,” Tembo said.
Residents of New Farms Ward expressed gratitude for the new maternity facility.
Sister-in-charge Linet Kasongo said the facility would ease the burden on expectant mothers who previously travelled far.
“We are grateful to government for easing the distances mothers used to cover and for trusting us to continue caring for patients through this new maternity ward,” Kasongo said.
New Farms Ward resident Mercy Chikanko said women often faced serious challenges when labour started because of poor transport.
“Transport here is a challenge. You can be in labour and start looking for transport while the place you are going to is very far. Now we are grateful for what they have done for us by bringing the maternity ward closer to our homes,” she said.
At Westwood Primary School in Chinyanja Ward, headteacher Georgina Mumba said the school has struggled with electricity challenges since it was established in 2010.
“Since 2010, we have faced challenges especially during examinations when printing was needed. Pupils learning computer studies had to be transported to other facilities, but now with electricity at the school the situation will improve and the quality of education will also improve,” Mumba said.
She also thanked government for the free education policy and the school feeding programme, which has helped improve attendance.
“We thank the President for the feeding programme and also free education. It has brought a lot of development in this school because absenteeism has reduced,” she said.
Meanwhile, pupil representative Lugowe Mukubesa said pupils were grateful that they will now be able to conduct computer practical lessons on-site.
“We are humbled by the proper use of CDF. Computer practicals will not be going somewhere else but we will do them within the school. We will guide these things properly because you have entrusted us with them,” Mukubesa said.
During the same event, the area Member of Parliament also donated 180 desks to Westwood Primary School to improve the learning environment.
Traders at Chinyanja Market also welcomed the newly commissioned facilities.
Trader Betty Kasonkwe said business had been difficult because traders previously operated from their homes without proper market facilities.
“Trading here has not been easy because we used to conduct our business from home and we never had a proper market before,” she said.
Officials urged residents of both wards to take ownership of the newly constructed infrastructure and safeguard it so that it continues serving the community for generations to come.
By Haggai Hamunyemba
Kalemba March 13, 2026
