President Hakainde Hichilema says his government has for the past 5 years focused on developing the country. Speaking during the Umutomboko Traditional Ceremony for the Lunda people of Mwansabombwe District of Luapula Province, The President stated that the government desires…

President Hakainde Hichilema says his government has for the past 5 years focused on developing the country.

Speaking during the Umutomboko Traditional Ceremony for the Lunda people of Mwansabombwe District of Luapula Province, The President stated that the government desires to see that all parts of the country are developed.

President Hichilema pointed out that through decentralisation, districts such as Mwansabombwe now have a district hospital.

In a speech read on his behalf by Vice President Mutale Nalumango, the President indicated that the new Ng’anga Bilonda Hospital in Mwansabombwe has helped to deal with the issue of referrals in the area.

“Our people used to walk long distances just to access quality health services but now we have brought the services closer to them,” he said.

The President noted that the decision to actualise decentralisation has seen more parts of the country receive maximum development.

He pointed out that previously it was difficult to achieve tangible development in the country as everything was done from Lusaka.

“The decision we made is now paying off, as you can see that development has come in the area and through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) more projects are being done.

And the President added that his government will continue to support traditional ceremonies in the country.

He observed that traditional ceremonies are important in preserving the culture of the people, hence the need to continue supporting it.

Meanwhile, the Mwata, who spoke through his representative, Headman Toka, has called on Zambians to preserve peace even as the country goes to the polls.

The Chief stressed that the peace which the country enjoys should continue during and after elections.

“As traditional leaders we want to see unity in the country and no one should allow politics to divide them because they come and go but the country will remain,” he said.

The Mwata further stated that he will continue to work with government to foster development in his chiefdom.

He pointed out that there is still more which needs to be done in his chiefdom such as revamping the aquaculture sector in Lake Mweru.

The traditional leader has since thanked the government for its continued support towards the hosting of the Umutomboko Traditional Ceremony.