Every chief must work with the government of the day to ensure development for their people, says Chief Nsamba, the vice chairperson of the Luapula Province Council of Chiefs.
Speaking in Mansa on behalf of the other chiefs when conferring with President Hakainde Hichilema yesterday, he stated that none of the 280 chiefs in the country was political, hence, they are not to be labeled as politicians for supporting or working with the government.
Chief Nsamba insisted that the government and chiefs were critical partners in developing the country’s economy and they don’t work with any team other than the government.
He commended the government for initiating several developmental projects across the country, singling out free education, the enhanced Constituency Development Fund, and the support rendered to traditional ceremonies.
Chief Nsamba, however, reminded the President to look into the difficulties in Luapula Province and its potential. He cited diminished employment for young people in the absence of industries since the demise of Mansa Batteries and other companies years ago.
He said with the abundant water in Luapula, they were looking to create an electricity company. The chief further requested Hichilema to rehabilitate the Mansa-Chienge Road, which he said had been a problem for a long time.
On his part, Hichilema committed to investing in aquaculture to make Luapula the hub of fish farming in Zambia due to its abundance of water, stating that the Luapula Province alone could potentially feed the entire Zambia with fish.
He concurred on the need to harness the water for energy production and highlighted the potential for mining and agriculture.
Hichilema met the chiefs and other stakeholders ahead of the Chabuka traditional ceremony of the Ushi people of Mansa, which took place yesterday.
