Empowered Local Advocacy Transforms Munjile Market: A Community’s Journey to Better Service Delivery

A Market in Dire Need of Improvement

For many years, traders in Munjile community of Magoye, located in Mazabuka District, faced numerous hardships. With no designated trading space, they were forced to sell their goods along the roadside, exposing them to safety hazards and extreme weather conditions. When a market was eventually constructed, it still lacked essential facilities such as running water and sanitation, making it difficult for traders to maintain hygiene.

Regina Chingala, a longtime trader, recalls the struggle vividly.

“This trading center was unhygienic. I had to use the bush as a restroom, and finding water for handwashing was difficult. This posed health risks to us as traders and to our customers,” she said.

Citizen-Led Advocacy for Change

Determined to address this issue, the Munjile Citizen Voice and Action (CVA) committee—a community-based advocacy group trained by World Vision Zambia—took the lead. CVA is a social accountability model that equips communities to hold their government and service providers accountable for improved service delivery. By educating citizens about their rights and responsibilities, CVA fosters constructive engagement between communities and decision-makers.

Recognizing the pressing need for proper market infrastructure, the CVA committee engaged the local Area Councillor, Hon. Hantimuba Ian, and urged him to present their concerns to the government.

“We monitored the needs in the community and found that Munjile Market did not meet the minimum standards of a marketplace. It lacked running water and an ablution block, which are essential for traders who spend the entire day at the market,” said Mwiinga Katson, a member of the CVA group.

Their efforts bore fruit. In October, the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocated K1,200,000 for the construction of an ablution block and a mechanized water system.

A Transformed Marketplace

With the newly installed water system and ablution block, Munjile Market has been completely transformed.

“This is life-changing,” said Chingala. “Now, with clean water and proper sanitation, our working environment is healthier and more dignified. We no longer have to worry about basic hygiene while doing business.”

The intervention not only improved sanitation but also strengthened collaboration between the local government and the community. Hon. Hantimuba Ian expressed his commitment to working alongside the CVA committee to bring meaningful change.

“I am pleased to work with the CVA committee. Through our meetings, we discuss community challenges and find solutions together,” he said.

Sustainability: Ensuring Long-Term Benefits

The CVA approach emphasizes sustainability by ensuring that communities take ownership of projects. To maintain the new facilities, the community plans to introduce a small levy for upkeep, ensuring continued access to clean water and sanitation.

“CVA is a strong and effective model, and we are committed to keeping it alive,” said Katson. “This way, the entire community will continue benefiting from it.”

Munjile Market’s transformation is a testament to the power of citizen-led advocacy. Through the CVA methodology, communities are not only identifying challenges but also actively shaping their development, proving that meaningful change happens when people unite for a common cause.