MWENSE TOWN COUNCIL HOLDS BUDGET REVIEW CONSULTATIVE MEETING
Mwense, Monday 10th November 2025
Mwense Town Council on Friday, 7th November 2025, held a Budget Review and Consultative Meeting at Kashiba Hall, to reflect on the performance of the 2025 budget and gather community input for the formulation of the 2026 Capital Projects.
Speaking during the official opening, Council Chairperson, Cllr. Stephen Chikota, emphasized the importance of such meetings as platforms to reflect on the performance of previous budgets and assess the effectiveness of their implementation.
“From reviews like the one we are holding today, we can learn from our challenges and chart a more informed way forward,” said Cllr. Chikota.
He urged all participants to make meaningful and forward-thinking contributions, stressing that the projects proposed should not only address current community needs but also create lasting impact for future generations.
“Let us focus on initiatives that improve livelihoods, promote sustainable development, and transform Mwense District for the better. The projects we select today should stand the test of time,” he added.
Cllr. Chikota further congratulated the Local Authority for its hard work and prudent utilization of resources, which enabled Mwense District to qualify for the Zambia Devolution Support Programme (ZDSP) , one of only two districts in Luapula Province, alongside Lunga, to achieve this milestone.
“This remarkable achievement means increased funding from K2.7 million to a whopping K16 million,” he announced proudly.
Speaking at the same event, Mwense District Commissioner, Mr. Happystone Mwape, commended the government’s ongoing efforts through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), describing it as a vital tool for achieving President Hakainde Hichilema’s vision of equitable and people-driven development.
“Decentralization takes resources closer to the people and empowers communities to shape their own future,” said Mr. Mwape.
Meanwhile, Council Secretary, Mr. Gerald Hadunka, reaffirmed the importance of inclusive participation in decision-making, noting that development should reflect the voices and priorities of the people.
Mr. Hadunka added that It would not be prudent to make decisions for the people without their input. “We value your participation and contributions,” he said.
The meeting was also attended by the District Administrative Officer, Mr. Phillip Muonga, Councillors, Heads of Departments, CDF Committee Chairpersons for Mwense and Mambilima constituencies, WDC Chairpersons and Secretaries, representatives of persons living with disabilities, and a representative from the Mwense Constituency Office.
Participants made several impactful submissions aimed at fostering inclusive and sustainable development across the district. Among the proposed 2026 capital projects were:
1. Establishment of a Community Radio Station
2. Completion of a boarding house at Mwense Trades
3. Construction of a Mini Hospital in Lukwesa
4. Expansion of the Council Guest House
5. Construction of a Fire Station
6. Procurement of a Fire Tender
7. Construction of a Modern Bus Station
8. Procurement of an Excavator Machine
9. Procurement of a Skip Loader Truck
10. Provision of 6 Skip Bins
11. Construction of Police Posts at Lukwesa and Kashiba
12. Development of a Sports Facility
13. Fencing of Mwense Secondary School
14. Construction of a 1×3 Classroom Block and Hostel at Mwense Secondary School
15. Construction of a District Library
16. Construction of a Boarding House at Mambilima Secondary School
17. Rehabilitation and Expansion of Natwange Bar
18. Construction of a Chapel at the Correctional Facility
19. Construction of a Modern Conference Hall
20. Construction of Waterborne Toilets in schools that are disability-friendly
21. Purchase of Assistive Devices for persons with disabilities (e.g., wheelchairs)
22. Rehabilitation of the Public Square at Nsakaluba, ensuring it is inclusive and accessible
23. Procurement of additional essential equipment
The submissions reflect the community’s growing commitment to ensuring that development projects are inclusive, forward-looking, and impactful.
With such dedication and collaborative effort, Mwense District is set on a promising path of transformation. Truly, Mwense will never be the same.
