[1][2] Africa Directions describes Chilenje as "a peri-urban township with slightly higher levels of education and income per household than Mtendere.
While this means families are able to meet basic needs, on the flip side this disposable income also leads to more alcohol and drug abuse.
For this reason, the PAMO Youth Centre was opened in Chilenje, with support from UNICEF and Norwegian Church Aid, in 2004.
[3] In 2012, residents were demanding improvements in sanitation and increased medical staffing to end the long queues at the Chilenje Clinic health centre.
[4][5] Construction of the Chilimbulu Road, which was being extended from Kamwala shopping area to Chilenje township resumed in April 2014.[6][relevant?]