PARAMOUNT chief of the Ngoni people has called on government to actualise the promises it makes to the people.
“When you make a promise fulfil it,” he said while Local Government and Rural Development minister Gary Nkombo paid him a visit at his Ekuphendukeni palace in Chipata Eastern Province on Friday.
Nkombo paid a courtesy call on the traditional leader to update him on the newly bought motor grader by the Chipata Municipal Council and Government’s commencement of the rehabilitation of markets and bus stops in four districts of Eastern Province.
Yesterday the minister flagged off the project, a collaborative effort between the Zambian government and the German government through the German Development Cooperation (KFW) which aims to enhance the socio-economic well-being of citizens by improving infrastructure and empowering local authorities.
Four districts that will be benefiting from this initiative include; Chipata, Lundazi, Katete and Sinda at an estimated cost of K 109.7 million, and the project is projected to conclude within 12 months.
Chief Mphezeni was excited about the development and welcomed the development with both hands.
However, he reminded the minister and his entourage which included, Mtolo Phiri, the Agriculture Minister Eastern Province Minister Peter Phiri among others the importance of keeping promises.
Mphezeni added that when he reminds government to fulfil it’s promises, it doesn’t mean he is against it but that he is merely a speaker passing on the message from his subjects.
“I’m not against Government but I believe that when someone promises something they have to fulfill it….Ine nisebenze na boma, nisebenza lini na opposition ( I work with the government, I don’t work with the opposition).” Mphezeni clarified.
He acknowledged that the Government is working.
“As you can see, there is a grader [being commissioned today]. Before now, Chipata Municipal Council didn’t have a grader, we used to hire to work on roads. So as you have commenced the project, expedite on the works,” Mphezeni told the minister.
The Minister told Mphezeni that he had the right to air out his grievances stating that if the Chief doesn’t open up, how could the Government know the challenges.
Recently, there was a video that circulated online of the traditional leader blasting Minister of Green Economy, Mike Mposha because of halted works on dams
However, the provincial minister revealed that Government has started working on the dams.
“The ministry has started working on the dams your majesty, what you [chief Mphezeni] did the last time [When Minister Mposha came] was just a reminder that we left a promise [yet to be actualised],” said Phiri.
By Moses Makwaya
Kalemba November 16, 2024
