WHILE the country would like to flip the page immediately on the drought saga as the rain starts pouring, Paramount Chief of the Ngoni, Mpezeni has continued praying for a favourable rainfall.
“Drought has really affected us, it has reached an extent where we have to buy grass from Lusaka to feed our cattle,” the traditional leader shared as the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development paid him a courtesy call at his Ekuphendukeni palace in Chipata Eastern Province on Friday.
“When it comes to water, even the minister here (Eastern Province Minister, Peter Phiri) can testify that we have to draw water in buckets for our cattle to drink. now imagine that you have 20 cattle, how does one cope? Because even if you have a 20 litre you know that it won’t quench the thirst of the cattle.”
Mpezeni however said this drought condition should not be politicised as it is the will of God and no one can go against it.
“Even the President (Hakainde Hichilema) cannot be happy that the people are being subjected to less electricity or lack of water. So let’s not blame anyone [for the drought].
“Like you have said, ‘let’s pray to God to give us favourable rainfall’,” Mpezeni said.
Nkombo re-echoed Mpezeni’s sentiments in calling for divine intervention.
“We are praying to God that the drought will be reversed this year, so far the signs are looking okay, people have lost livestock even where I am coming from in Southern Province but the worst time is over,” said Nkombo.
Meanwhile, the minister promised to expedite construction of houses for the Chief’s returners (Kapaso) and revealed Government plans to start working on the Township Roads, noting that the roads were last worked on during the Late President Rupiah Banda’s tenure.
“I am fully aware that the township road in Chipata was last done during the time of his Excellency Rupiah Banda…. and we as the new dawn Government have it in our plans to continue where president RB stopped,” said Nkombo.
By Moses Makwaya
Kalemba November 18, 2024
