Chief Muyombe of the Tumbuka people in Mafinga District, Muchinga Province, has commended government for the developmental activities being undertaken in his Chiefdom and the district at large.
Speaking during the Vinkhakanimba Traditional Ceremony, the traditional Leader who spoke through his representative, Frank Muwowo, highlighted several projects currently being implemented in the education and health sector as well as the Muyombe-Isoka road project.
Chief Muyombe further appreciated government for creating Mafinga South Constituency, saying the new constituency will bring services closer to the people.
“As we appreciate the progress made, our endless developmental needs remain significant, therefore I appeal for continued investment in the education and health sector,” he stated.
The Chief also appealed for increased provision of clean and safe drinking water, rural electrification, and support to agriculture in order to improve livelihoods of the people in the area.
He further hailed government for the ongoing construction of the Muyombe-Isoka road, which will improve road connectivity, facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, and improve access to essential services.
The Traditional Leader added that the road once completed will support trade, create opportunities for investment, and drive economic growth in the district.
“We therefore urge the Government to remain committed and see to it that this important road project for the people is completed,” he said.
Chief Muyombe emphasized that development is anchored on peace, unity and strong partnership between government and traditional leadership.
“I therefore reaffirm our commitment to working with the Government and all stakeholders for the development of our Chiefdom,” he said.
Meanwhile, Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary, Tuesday Bwalya, who was represented by Mafinga District Commissioner Boyd Kaonga, said government will continue to support cultural preservation and infrastructure development in Mafinga.
Dr Bwalya said culture remains one of Zambia’s greatest assets and has become a significant driver of social and economic development.
“Traditional ceremonies are a filament and it is indeed encouraging to see people gathered here to celebrate and appreciate the rich cultural heritage of the Tumbuka-speaking people of Muyombe in Mafinga District,” Dr Bwalya said.
He reaffirmed Government’s commitment to working closely with traditional leaders in transforming the economy.
Dr Bwalya announced that government has reserved funds for the construction of an arena for the traditional ceremony.
He said the facility will also include other sports infrastructure such as volleyball, football and netball pitches to support youth talent and community activities.
On education, the Permanent Secretary noted that the sector has remained focused on increased access to quality education for the majority of Zambians, as evidenced by the introduction of free education from Grade 1 to 12.
He said the policy has led to an influx of pupils in classes, creating a shortage of classroom spaces and desks and government has since procured 750 desks for Mafinga South Constituency at a cost of K1.3 million.
Dr Bwalya said he was pleased to note that the Rural Electrification Authority has electrified 245 housing units around the Chief’s Palace in Mafinga District.
He further highlighted the construction of the Isoka-Muyombe road as a major milestone for the district that Government is working on.
The Permanent Secretary also said with the creation of the new constituency and the allocation of K40 million under the Constituency Development Fund, will address some outstanding challenges in the area.
He added that the Skills Development Bursary from nursery to youth level, is another milestone, as government continues to offer opportunities for vulnerable youths to access skills training centers and secondary schools.
Dr Bwalya further urged the traditional leader and his subjects to continue championing that noble cause while also promoting and preserving cultural values that define the country’s identity as a people.
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