Nchelenge Town Council has allocated about K1.2 million under the 2022 Constituency Development Fund for the procurement of desks in the district.
Nchelenge Town Council Secretary Collins Ndilema disclosed that the local authority has so far received 400 out of 1,100 desks from local supplies who were contracted to supply the desks.
Mr. Ndilema says the approved number for the direct purchase of desks was 650 while 792 rehabilitation of desks.
“We reduced the number for the rehabilitation of desks from 792 to 560 due to pricing,” he said
He has since appealed to suppliers to speed up the supply of desks, adding that the district is behind schedule as schools have opened.
The Nchelenge Council Secretary further said the local authority intends to procure more desks under the 2023 CDF.
He said the procurement of more desks will mean that no child will sit on the floor while learning.
“As a local authority and working with other stakeholders we want to ensure that we have enough desks for pupils in all schools in order to meet the demand, we don’t want any child to sit on the floor,” he said.
He further revealed that the Local Authority will under the 2023 CDF prioritise the improvement of water and sanitation conditions in schools, and Health Care.
Mr. Ndilema also disclosed that the local authority has been directed to procure a motor vehicle for the police using the 2023 CDF.
He said the procurement of motor vehicles for the police will enable the police to respond promptly to crime incidents in the district.