A newly constructed Katambalala Railside Market shelter, built with support from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) in Lima Ward 30 of Matero Constituency, has officially been handed over to the community.
The facility built at a total cost of K1.6 million, is expected to provide trading spaces for more than 300 traders who previously conducted business under harsh conditions in the open, exposed to rains and scorching sun.
Presiding over the handover ceremony today, Lusaka Province Minister Hon. Sheal Mulyata said the new market shelter will enhance comfort and dignity for traders, boost economic activities in the area, attract more customers, increase business confidence and contribute to household incomes, thereby supporting the global goal of poverty reduction and inclusive growth.
Hon. Mulyata noted that government has continued to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to improving citizens’ welfare through effective utilisation of the CDF, highlighting the increase in CDF allocation to K40 million per constituency in the 2026 national budget.
The Minister emphasised that communities now have the power to propose, identify, plan and implement projects that directly respond to their needs, adding that the market is a practical example of decentralisation working effectively when local priorities are respected and supported.
She observed that for many years, traders in Lima Ward operated under difficult conditions, exposed to extreme weather and unsanitary environments, which not only made trading challenging but also compromised the quality of goods and the health and safety of both traders and customers, saying the facility has now transformed this situation.
Hon. Mulyata further urged the market committee and local leadership to work closely with the Lusaka City Council to enforce good management practices, maintain sanitation and ensure equitable access to trading spaces, further advising traders to clean the market and its surroundings daily to prevent disease outbreaks.
Lusaka District Commissioner expressed delight at the development, saying she was proud that CDF had delivered much-needed infrastructure in Lusaka, more than in any other province, pledging continued support towards development initiatives.
Meanwhile, Lima Ward 30 Councillor Daniel Mwewa said his ward was privileged, for the first time since independence to have such a facility that will enable traders to conduct business in a conducive environment.
Councillor Mwewa commended government for the initiative, noting that his ward has greatly benefited from CDF projects, including the procurement of 400 desks, construction of a 1×4 classroom block at George Primary School and establishment of a skills centre in Chitukuko area.
By Nyambe Bulumba
Assistant Public Relations Manager
19/11/25
Last modified: November 25, 2025
