THE die has been cast and the battle line has been drawn as the United Party for National Development (UPND) has embarked on a journey to take over Eastern Province starting with the wards while eyeing the Dilika Ward in Chipata.
On Tuesday, the people of Dilika Ward will have to choose a new councilor from nine candidates following the resignation of Florence Jere who left the position after finding greener pasture earlier this year.
On Friday just after delivering a speech following the commissioning of a Motor grader in Chipata Central, Local Government Minister Gary Nkombo went on his knees to plead on behalf of UPND candidate, Lewis Zulu for votes in the forthcoming by-elections.
He reminded the residents of Chipata of President Hakainde Hichilema’s love for the people through development works currently happening such as the new markets and bus stops being rehabilitated and expanded, the Increase of CDF from K1.6 million to K36.1 million, free education among other achievements.
“He (President Hichilema) gave you [the people of Eastern Province] 100 percent, two out of two but the total number of MPs is 20 here. In Sinda there is no UPND MP but we have started to develop a market and bus station there. It only shows that the President loves you,” Nkombo said.
“In Katete, we failed as well. We don’t have an MP, councilor, or a mayor but they are also smiling today as you could see the Kapoche MP expressing gratitude over the development (rehabilitation of market and a bus station). Even if you didn’t vote for President Hichilema, he has given the people of Katete a new market, the same as here [in Chipata], the same as Lundazi”
He asked the people to show the same love President Hichilema had shown them.
“Tipempa kuti mutikonde, elo tilibe nama nyazi kupempa kukondewa (We are pleading with you to love us as well. And we are not ashamed to ask to be loved,” said Nkombo
“We want your votes here, we want not to be disappointed here. The answer on Tuesday is in your hands.”
And Chipata Central Member of Parliament, Mutolo Phiri added his tenor voice to drum support for Zulu, asking the people to give him a UPND councilor so that that development can flow smoothly in the ward and Constituency.
Phiri shared that there will be improvement in sanitation, Health Care among other development once Zulu is ushered in.
Out of 11 wards in Chipata, the UPND has no councilor of their own.
Meanwhile, Nkombo said the motor grader was bought at K3.7 million under the 2024 Constituency Development Fund
“This equipment is costing K3.7 million. I am reliably informed that Chipata which houses two constituencies Luangeni and Chiapata Central each bought this equipment which means the cost that you spent on these 2 equipment is in the regional neighborhood of K7 million in one year,” he shared.
“When you were voting for Hakainde Hichilema you were voting for this in the same breathe those who said no President Hichilema were saying no to this.”
By Moses Makwaya
Kalemba November 18, 2024
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