Lumezi District is reconnecting communities by constructing bridges through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) disaster component, which is restoring vital infrastructure damaged by heavy rains. While CDF primarily supports community projects, bursaries and empowerment programs, the 5 percent disaster allocation is playing a crucial role in rebuilding essential crossing points.

Frequent heavy rains in the rural district often wash away bridges, cutting off residents from the Central Business District and critical services. One such bridge is the Katete Vented Bridge on the Lumezi-Chanyalubwe Road, which collapsed years after its construction in 2012, leaving motorists and pedestrians stranded during the rainy season.

To resolve this, Lumezi Town Council allocated part of the 2022 CDF disaster fund and engaged a constractor to rehabilitate the bridge. Rehabilitation works began in January, with Council Chairperson, Oliver Mwale, stating the importance of restoring access to the district’s main hospital, boarding school and other essential services.

During an inspection on Tuesday, 30^th May, 2023, Eastern Province Permanent Secretary, Paul Thole praised Lumezi Town Council for effectively utilizing the disaster fund to rebuild washed-out crossing points.

Chamtowa Ward Councillor, Davies Mwanza said residents were excited to see the government delivering on infrastructure restoration, reconnecting the valley and plateau areas.