Mpongwe- President Hakainde Hichilema yesterday reaffirmed the New Dawn Governmentβs commitment to promoting inclusive and sustainable development, particularly in rural areas, through strengthened partnerships with traditional leaders across the country.
The Presidentβs remarks were delivered on his behalf by the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Gift Sialubalo, MP, during the Lesa NkushΓ© Traditional Ceremony of Her Royal Highness Chieftainess Lesa of the Bulima people in Mpongwe District.
President Hichilema commended traditional leaders for their pivotal role in fostering peace, unity, and development in their communities. He said the government remains steadfast in collaborating with royal establishments to uplift the living standards of citizens, especially in rural chiefdoms like Lesa.
βOur Government acknowledges and deeply appreciates the pivotal role traditional leaders play in promoting good governance and contributing to national development. We remain committed to working hand in hand with them to transform lives and deliver meaningful development,β the President stated.
Highlighting the tangible results of the governmentβs decentralisation and development agenda, the President cited the substantial increase in the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) from K1.6 million in 2021 to K36.1 million in 2025, with a further rise to K40 million proposed in the 2026 national budget.
Through these investments, Mpongwe District has recorded significant progress in education, infrastructure, and social welfare. Key milestones include the construction of classroom blocks at Lukanga North, Twikatane, and Buni primary schools; provision of waterborne toilets and boreholes; electrification projects nearing completion; and bursary sponsorships for over 400 learners.
In the health sector, President Hichilema noted the governmentβs continued efforts to improve access to quality healthcare, with the construction of a new health post, recruitment of 40 health workers, and procurement of a fully equipped ambulance for the district.
The President further highlighted social protection initiatives that have benefited thousands of vulnerable citizens under programmes such as the Social Cash Transfer, Food Security Pack, and Womenβs Livelihood Support, among others.
To address mobility and trade challenges, the government has procured five earth moving machines for road maintenance in Mpongwe and has already graded over 40 kilometers of feeder roads, including key routes linking schools and markets in Lesa Chiefdom.
President Hichilema also urged the Mpongwe Town Council to expedite ongoing road works ahead of the rainy season, emphasizing that improved rural infrastructure is essential for economic growth and social inclusion.
βLet us continue to work together as One Zambia, One Nation, and One People.
Government will continue to support traditional ceremonies like this one as they strengthen our cultural heritage, unity, and national identity,β the President said.
The Head of State expressed gratitude to Her Royal Highness Chieftainess Lesa for her continued partnership with government in advancing rural development, and to all visiting traditional leaders for fostering unity through cultural exchange.
