Mufulira Municipal Council held a meeting this morning aimed to address concerns surrounding the repayment of loans from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF),
During the meeting, the Town Clerk highlighted the need for loan defaulters to repay borrowed funds so that the cycle of lending can continue smoothly, enabling others to access funding for community projects. She disclosed that out of approximately K30 million allocated from 2022 to 2024 from 3 Constituencies, only a total of K1.7 million has been repaid, underscoring the urgency of settling debts.
The Town Clerk warned beneficiaries against complacency, noting that technological advancements have made it easier for authorities to track overdue payments. And to avoid being blacklisted by the Credit Reference Bureau (CRB), which could hinder future borrowing opportunities, she urged beneficiaries to engage proactively with the council to find mutually agreeable repayment plans.
The Mayor of Mufulira Mr. Tanaeli Kamanga also addressed the gathering and emphasized that loans serve as valuable lessons and that money alone does not guarantee wealth, wisdom, and prudent financial planning are key. He urged beneficiaries to change their mindset and pursue sustainable repayment strategies. The mayor pointed out that the government, under the UPND administration, has provided substantial funding to uplift livelihoods, and repayment is essential for continued support.
The mayor further advised management to create opportunities such as contract work to assist debtors in repaying their loans.
In response, debtors expressed challenges caused by load shedding and changing the economy, requesting a six-month grace period to recover financially. They also appealed for a reduction in the repayment amount from K4,500 to K2,000, citing their current hardships.
Councillors reiterated that economic challenges and load shedding are ongoing issues but emphasized the importance of improved communication between debtors and the council. They urged debtors to make every effort to repay their loans, stressing that such efforts would enable others in need to access financial support.
01.07.2025