Siavonga Town Council Chairperson Given Kwapu has warned 29 beneficiaries who have been awarded empowerment Loans under the 2023 Constituency Development Fund (CDF) amounting to K3.4 million to pay back the loans or be arrested.
Mr Kwapu said the beneficiaries have been given that money not to fatten their pockets but to grow the economy of the district and the country at large.
He said this during the handover ceremony of the CDF disbursement of Three point four Million four hundred and fifty-four Thousand Kwacha (3,454,000.00) to 29 beneficiaries in Siavonga Constituency, which was held at Lakeview Lodge in Siavonga.
The Council Chairperson has echoed that the New Dawn government is a government that brings all Zambians together by providing services to all without any tribal attachment but on merit.
And the Siavonga DC Geoffrey Jakopo who was the guest of honor has disclosed that a total of 133 applications for CDF community projects, women and youth empowerment loans were received from all the 12 wards across the constituency.
Mr Jakopo adds that, the successful applicants have been awarded different sums of money ranging from K50,000 to K140,000 respectively.
He Said his government continues to score positively with the CDF empowerments.
Meanwhile, The CDF Chairperson Lubinda Mubiana has reminded the beneficiaries that the money which they have received is a loan and therefore returnable and should be utilized accordingly and follow the repayment guidelines.
Mr Lubinda has appealed to the unsuccessful applicants not to give up but to remain focused and reapply when another funding is received.
Among the beneficiaries are Tumbyakasuko General Dealers, Luse Lwakwe Farms and General Dealers, Midbess Fast Foods and Gracihamps General Dealers.
Council Secretary Coster Mutandi, Council Treasurer Newton Sikazwe, Council Chief HR Mr Masanto among others were in attendance.