In the heart of Southern Province, Monze District is quietly rewriting its development story—one ablution block, classroom, and water reticulation system at a time. Thanks to the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), communities that once struggled with basic infrastructure are now experiencing tangible change, dignity, and hope.

Manungu’s Sanitation Breakthrough

For years, Manungu Primary and Secondary School in Monze Central Constituency operated without running water or proper sanitation facilities. Pupils relied on pit latrines—often flooded during the rainy season—and girls routinely missed classes during menstruation due to the lack of privacy and hygiene.

That changed on August 26th, 2025, when Hon. Jack Mwiimbu, Member of Parliament and Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, officially handed over a newly constructed ablution block and water reticulation system. Built under the 2024 CDF community project component, the facility has become a beacon of transformation.

“Girls no longer have to miss classes whenever they are attending,” says Lumuno Habanzu, a Form 1 pupil.

“The boys are now eager to participate in sports after class because of the showers,” adds Dalisto Phiri, Grade 11.

Beyond sports, the showers are a lifeline for pupils from water-scarce areas. Many now go home refreshed, no longer burdened by the daily search for bathing water.

Community-Led, Government-Backed

The Manungu project began as a grassroots initiative. When the community faced challenges in mobilizing funds, they turned to the CDF—an empowering move that reflects the fund’s core purpose: enabling citizens to shape their own development.

According to the [2025 CDF sensitization report](https://www.monzecouncil.gov.zm/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2025-BUDGET-CONSULTATIVE-MEETING-MINUTES.pdf), Monze Central Constituency held consultative meetings across all 12 wards, encouraging residents to apply for community projects. Priorities ranged from sanitation and water systems to classroom blocks, market shelters, and road rehabilitation.

Beyond Manungu: A District on the Move

Monze Town Council has since commenced construction of dozens of CDF-funded projects for 2025 in all the three Constituencies of the District.

Each project is a response to community needs, vetted through feasibility assessments and stakeholder engagement.

A Model for Inclusive Development

The success of CDF in Monze is not just about infrastructure—it’s about restoring dignity, boosting school attendance, and fostering civic pride. It’s about girls like Lumuno and boys like Dalisto who now see school as a place of opportunity, not hardship.

Hon. Mwiimbu’s message during the Manungu handover was clear: development is a shared responsibility. By linking local progress to national stability, he underscored the power of unity and participation.

The Road Ahead

As Monze continues to implement its 2025 CDF projects, the district is fast becoming a model for community-driven development. The challenge now is to sustain momentum, strengthen project management practices and ensure that every kwacha spent delivers lasting impact.

And if Manungu is any indication, the future looks promising—cleaner, safer, and more inclusive.

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