Chitimukulu impressed with crocodile statue

Paramount Chief Chitimukulu Kanyanta Manga II has commended the Zambia Army for contributing to the socio-economic development of the country. Speaking during the official handover of a 15-metre crocodile statue at Chikumanino Roundabout in Kasama, the Mwinelubemba said the…

 Paramount Chief Chitimukulu Kanyanta Manga II has commended the Zambia Army for contributing to the socio-economic development of the country.

Speaking during the official handover of a 15-metre crocodile statue at Chikumanino Roundabout in Kasama, the Mwinelubemba said the project demonstrates that the Army’s role extends beyond safeguarding peace and security.

Paramount Chief Chitimukulu said the quality of work by the Northern Command reflects professionalism and commitment to community development.

“Contrary to perceptions that the Army’s role is only to preserve the country’s peace, this project has proved that they can go beyond that and contribute to socio-economic development,” he said.

The traditional leader commended the Army for partnering with Government and the local authority on initiatives aimed at uplifting communities.

He said the crocodile statue would serve as a cultural symbol of pride and resilience for the Bemba people, while also contributing to heritage preservation and national development.

And Northern Province Acting Permanent Secretary Beauty Undi-Phiri said the crocodile statue was more than a structure at a traffic circle, describing it as a landmark that reflects the cultural identity of the people of Ulubemba.

Ms. Undi-Phiri commended the Zambia Army, Kasama Municipal Council, traditional leadership and the artists involved in the project.

She said the initiative demonstrates the importance of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) in delivering projects with social, economic and cultural value.

“The Ng’wena statue carries a message about our identity, our heritage and our responsibility to preserve and promote the culture of our people. It also shows what can be achieved when government institutions, traditional leadership, communities and stakeholders work together towards a common objective,” she said.

Ms. Undi-Phiri also highlighted the tourism potential of the monument and urged stakeholders to incorporate it into the wider Northern Province tourism circuit.

She said the Government’s Grow Zambia Agenda targets five million tourist arrivals annually, adding that cultural landmarks such as the crocodile statue could contribute to the tourism sector.

Ms. Undi-Phiri was speaking in a speech read on her behalf by Assistant Director-Planning Christopher Bwalya.

Meanwhile, Zambia Army Northern Formation Commander Brigadier General Charles Kunda described the project as a celebration of partnership, culture and community development.

Brig. Gen. Kunda said the Army was proud to have constructed the 15-metre statue within two months in collaboration with Kasama Municipal Council.

“The Ng’wena project is a practical demonstration of the Zambia Army’s commitment to supporting community development through its expertise, personnel and capabilities. It is not simply an infrastructure project but a monument that celebrates the history and identity of the people of this region,” he said.

Brig. Gen. Kunda said the crocodile holds deep cultural significance for the Bemba people and features prominently in the annual Ukusefya pa Ng’wena ceremony.