By Henry Kyambalesa
Our brother President Edgar C. Lungu was in North-Western Province (NWP) on July 12, 2021 for a two-day working visit. The message in this article is intended not only for him but for the Patriotic Front, my fellow citizens in NWP and for all my fellow Zambians who have the development interests of our beloved country at heart.
The alarming “poverty” and “inequality” situation in Zambia that Alexander Chikwanda is reported as having decried in a news story by Edwin Mbulo of the defunct The Post Newspaper of February 10, 2014 entitled “Poverty, Inequality Levels in Zambia Unacceptably High – Chikwanda” has continued to be as true and prevalent today as it was then. And our fellow citizens in North-Western Province are not spared from the crisis.
The Patriotic Front (PF) assumed the reins of power in 2011 and has ruled the country over the last 10 years, during which levels of poverty and inequality have continued to worsen for all Zambians in all the 10 provinces irrespective of their political affiliations. Asking citizens for 5 more years to fix problems they have failed to address over a period of 10 years is, therefore, laughable at best.
Education and Skills Training:
North-Western Province now needs leaders who will be devoted to building more primary and secondary schools, and to rehabilitate old ones, in order to make it possible for each and every child in the Province to have access to education near their homes in all the districts—that is, in Chavuma, Kabompo, Kalumbila, Kasempa, Manyinga, Mufumbwe, Mushindamo, Mwinilunga, Solwezi, and Zambezi districts.
Besides, there is a need for leaders who will ensure that higher education and vocational training in the Province are enhanced by rehabilitating existing facilities, and by building additional institutions of higher learning, as well as requiring such institutions to offer training programs that will be consistent with the needs of commerce and industry, including the processing of minerals, mangoes, pineapples, Kaimbwe salt, honey, leather, timber, cassava, coffee, bananas, beans, and sweet potatoes.
Further, there is a need for leaders who will address the problems facing educational and training institutions, including the lack of teachers, instructors, housing, educational supplies and equipment, inadequate salaries and allowances, and entertainment at all the educational and training institutions in the Province.
With respect to housing, my traditional cousin and PF Vice President Inonge Wina has just admitted during her visit to Mwandi District in Western Province that the government was aware that some civil servants in rural areas were living in ramshackle structures.
She said the situation will change in the next 5 years as the government will construct decent accommodation for teachers, and further revealed that the government will recruit more teachers that will be posted to schools, especially schools in rural areas.
So, 10 years of being in government was not enough to fix some of these crucial issues and problems, but 5 years will be enough? And Zambians are expected to believe and blindly embrace such political rhetoric?
Talk about poverty and inequality, talk about economic growth and employment, talk about externally secured loans, talk about corruption, talk about public housing, talk electricity and clean water, talk about education and training, talk about healthcare and sanitation, talk about civil servants’ wages and salaries, talk about retirement benefits, and talk about politically inspired violence.
The common people have continued to spend sleepless nights wondering if any of the socioeconomic ills and crises relating to these aspects and facets of their livelihoods will ever be addressed during their life time.
Like other provinces in Zambia, North-Western Province needs leaders who will be devoted to ensuring that salaries and allowances are timely disbursed to all the districts so that teachers and other civil servants will not have to trek to designated locations to pick up their money only to be told that their dues are not yet available.
And because of the importance of students’ physical and intellectual development in nurturing active and productive citizens, our country’s 10 provinces need leaders who will be devoted to the promotion of sport in schools, colleges and universities. In this endeavour, government officials will need to provide for sports facilities, athletics, soccer, boxing, basketball, badminton, and netball at all educational institutions.
Public Health and Sanitation:
There is a need for leaders who will be devoted to continue to provide for free life-saving healthcare for all Zambians, and rehabilitate existing urban and rural health centres in all the provinces, as well as build new ones.
And leaders who will be devoted to the improvement of conditions of service for healthcare personnel, employ more healthcare personnel, and ensure that healthcare facilities throughout the country have adequate stocks of medicines and medical supplies and equipment regardless of whether they are operated by missionaries, mining companies or the government.
With respect to the North-Western province, efforts in these endeavours will need to apply to all major healthcare facilities, which include the Chavuma, Kabompo, Loloma, Kalene Mission, Mwinilunga, Chitokoloki Mission, Zambezi, Mukinge, and Solwezi hospitals.
Besides, there will be a need to construct a nursing school in Mwinilunga, and upgrade the Solwezi School of Nursing so that it can offer Registered Nursing services.
Culture and Local Traditions:
Culture and both family and traditional values as essential and indispensable elements of Zambian society. Therefore, Zambia desperately needs leaders who will be devoted to make an earnest effort to promote cultural and traditional events in North-Western Province, including the following:
- The Chisemwa Cha Lunda ceremony of the Lunda people in Senior Chief Kanongesha’s area in Mwinilunga district held in August;
- The Nsomo ceremony of the Kaonde people in Senior Chief Kasempa’s area in Kasempa district held in June;
- The Kupupa ceremony of the Kaonde people in Senior Chief Kalilele’s area in Solwezi district held in July;
- The Lunda Lubanza ceremony of the Lunda people in Senior Chief Ishindi’s area in Zambezi district held in August;
- The Lukwakwa ceremony of the Mbunda people in Senior Chief Sikufele’s area in Kabompo district held in October;
- The Makundu ceremony of the Kaonde people in Senior Chief Mushima’s area in Mufumbwe district held in August;
- The Chivweka ceremony of the Luchazi people in Chief Kalunga’s area in Kabompo district held in June;
- The Mbunda Liyoyelo ceremony of the Mbunda people in Chief Chiyengele’s area in Kabompo district held in October;
- The Kunyanta Ntanda ceremony of the Kaonde people in Chief Kapijimpanga’s area in Solwezi district held in July;
- The Ntongo ceremony of the Kaonde people in Chief Chizera’s area in Mufumbwe district held in September;
- The Kuvuluka Kishakulu ceremony of the Lamba people in Chief Matebo’s area in Solwezi district held in September;
- The Kufukwila ceremony of the Kaonde people in Chief Mukumbi’s area in Solwezi district held in May;
- The Likumbi Lya Mize ceremony of the Luvale people in Senior Chief Ndungu’s area in Zambezi district held in August;
- The Lubinda Ntongo ceremony of the Kaonde people in Senior Chief Mumena’s area in Solwezi district held in August; and
- The Nyawunda ceremony of the Lunda people in Senior Chief Sailunga’s area in Mwinilunga district held in July.
Other Projects and Programs:
There are a lot of important projects and programs which the new government will need to pursue in the North-Western Province in order to improve the socio-economic well-being of residents. These projects and programs include the following:
- Construction of a bridge on the Zambezi river to connect the east bank to the west bank where discoveries of oil and gas deposits have been made in Chavuma and Zambezi districts in order to facilitate the exploitation of, and further exploration for, oil and gas and other minerals.
- Completion of the tarring and maintenance of major roads in the entire province, including the Mutanda-Chavuma (M8) road, Solwezi-Lumwana road, and the Solwezi-Kipushi road.
- Tarring and maintenance of local streets throughout the province. In Solwezi district, for example, there will be a need to upgrade Kimasala, Kyafukuma, Mbonge, Messengers, Kyalalankuba, and Kansanshi Mine streets in collaboration with the Kansanshi Foundation.
- Construction of the planned railway line from Chingola to Benguela in Angola through Solwezi and Mwinilunga districts, maintenance of the Mwinilunga-Jimbe road which links Zambia to Angola, and active participation in the construction of a dual carriage way from Chingola to Lumwana.
- Improvement of infrastructure at Solwezi airport, rehabilitation of all airstrips in the province, and expansion of Kifubwa, Solwezi, Mutanda, Mundanya, and other major bridges in the Province.
- Development and maintenance of roads leading to tourist centres—that is, the Kifubwa National Monument, Mutanda Falls in Solwezi, Nyambwezu National Monument, Zambezi Source National Monument, Zambezi Rapids in Mwinilunga East and West, Lunga National Parks in Mufumbwe and Kasempa, Chinyingi Foot Bridge, Chavuma Rapids, and the Zambezi beach.
- Improve accommodation standards in tourist centres by providing incentives for the construction of motels and 5-star hotels (similar to the new Royal Solwezi Hotel and Villas in Solwezi) throughout the province.
- Speed up the connection of areas of districts in the province that do not currently have electrical power to the national electricity grid, and provide incentives for private investment in revamping the Mwinilunga Cannery factory.
- Construct barracks in Chavuma, Mwinilunga and Solwezi for army officers at border towns, revive the Kafunfula Zambia National Service (ZNS) camp in Kasempa district, as well as construct houses for ZNS, police, military, and immigration officers in the province. An additional immigration border post will also be built in the province at Ndunga in Kabompo district on Zambia’s border with Angola to control illegal traffic and trade across the border.
- Improvement of the availability of safe and clean water throughout the province through boreholes, dams, water pipes, and protected shallow wells, and also provide for modern sewage facilities and both public and private rest rooms.
- Upgrading of resettlement schemes in the province by providing financial and material resources for constructing and/or rehabilitating boreholes, water wells, irrigation dams and canals, feeder roads, culverts, low-cost houses, clinics, basic schools, police posts, and other essential public services and facilities.
Such schemes include the Kafumfula Resettlement Scheme in Kasempa district, the Kazhiba Resettlement Scheme in Solwezi district, the Kikonge Resettlement Scheme in Mufumbwe district, the Litoya Resettlement Scheme in Kabompo district, the Luwe Resettlement Scheme in Kabompo district, the Chikenge Resettlement Scheme in Chief Kalunga’s area, the Kayombo Resettlement Scheme in Chief Chiyengele’s area, the Mikelenge / Luma farm block in Solwezi district, the Mumbeji Resettlement Scheme in Senior Chief Sikufele’s area, the Munwinji Resettlement Scheme in Mwinilunga district, the Solwezi Resettlement Scheme in Solwezi district, and the State Ranch Resettlement Scheme in Solwezi district.
Since HH and the UPND Alliance have shown the potential to unseat the patriotic Front next month, we need to support them, as well as entrust them with responsibility of correcting the catalogue of socioeconomic ills and crises which the Patriotic Front has failed to address over the last 10 years.
WRITER WELL SAID IT IS STUPIDITY FOR THE PF AND ITS LEADERSHIP TO WANT A THIRD TERM AND ALSO CONTINUED
TO MISMANAGED THIS COUNTRY .
ITS OVER , AFTER VOTING FOR PF AND LUNGU TWICE , IAM NOW VOTING FOR HH AND THE UPND AT ALL LEVELS JUST WAITING FOR THE DAY
The govt spent a lot of money constructing houses and office facilities at Kambimba Border post on the DRC/Zambia, Chief Kakoma’s chiefdom. The facility is not being used to collect revenue to boost state coafers. The border post is near Kolwezi giant mining town in Lualaba province and if the road from Lumwana West is worked on electricity connected from Chief Kanyama will be a short cut as some cargo can be diverted from Kasumbalesa using Kazungula- Kaoma via Kasempa. PF govt has been talking of making Zambia a landlinked country but little is being done. Northwestern borders Angola to the west and DRC to the north and the govt is failing to exploit such opportunities. Currently there is Kamoa Mine coming into operation and Kolwezi is a fast growing town which depend on small scale…
Solwezi Boys Secondary Technical School is in need of a major rehab. Looking at how Solwezi town has grown, government should consider putting up a Central Hospital at the level of Kasama and Petauke Hospitals and at lease two government secondary schools. We believe that region contributes more to the treasury and should be given back some development. The talk that unless they vote for us we cannot take development to them is a primitive way to govern a nation.
A long outdated article
Good morning Professor Henry Kyambalesa (Ba Mwisho). If I still recall this man did his secondary education at then Solwezi Boys Secondary School in the mid 70’s. he has been writing brilliant articles on many subjects. The school he went needs rehabilitation and the library needs restocking with books etc. It would be a big deal if this man could organize some resources abroad to be donated to his former school. There are a lot men who went through that school who are doing very well notable ones Mujinga John, Generals Kibombe Charles, James Phiri, Alex Malichi, Bowman, Lusambo, Chiefs Musele, Mumena, Kanongesha, Newton Samakayi, Lumayi, Gilford Malenji, Charles Kakoma, Lemy Kajoba, John Kinuna, Micheal Mundambo, Dauson Kuyanda, Kennetth Solochi, Davies Kapijimpanga, Col. Kabanda, Col…
Wrong conclusion. PF and ECL are better placed to complete the development projects mentioned. Well argued. Some of the issues could be addressed using Private Initiative. Alternatively, Private-Public-Partnership (Model could be trusted. The missing link is brainpower. Resources are abundant. Change in itself is not enough. Some form of consolidation is also necessary.
It seems you grew up there, one can tell from the manner you’ve written. I have seen most of the places that you’ve mentioned. North Western province has developed at a fast rate since 2005. Solwezi now boasts of 5 shopping malls! The situation in the province isn’t different from what’s obtaining in rural Zambia. The activities of Adamson Mushala had slowed down development in this area because he sabotaged almost everything. I’ve seen many UPND zealots now praise Mushala as a national hero. Hichilema and UPND can’t bring about development in the area because their agenda is to promote Tonga superiority. Give credit where it is due. I can now drive from Lusaka to Mwinilunga non-stop. What do you really want?
Well thought out and written. Over and above,condider working on the Kasempa_Kaoma road with urgence. This route gives access to the sea for cargo to and from Western Europe. With the ever turbulances and congestions in SA this route can be our lifeline.
Well the problem is that you conclude UPND and its alliance are better placed to implement the projects you’ve highlighted and thats were you’re wrong. The challenges you’ve listed can not be sorted out by pure capitalists which UPND is. For me the solution lies squarely with PF all it needs is help to make this possible by less politicking and more development engagements to deveop all areas through decentralisation policy. How will UPND implement what you’ve listed when even their manifesto is not elaborate. HH and UPND don’t just fit the template its the same reason we’re seeing challenges in S.A. despite Cyril being cut from the same cloth as HH. The problems we’re facing now are becoming too complex to be handled by pure capitalists or pure socialists. We need…
transformational leadership in order for us to achieve real change. Its good we’re talking development and that’s how it should be not tribalism and pettiness all the time. In my view PF is work in progress and it doesn’t appear too rigid to change and meet the aspirations of the people compared with UPND when you look at how they come out on issues even as an opposition party.
He is on a working visit but all he is doing is meeting chiefs and bribing them like in that picture…does the govt not have DCs and PS to take notes of what they want?
Its funny Hakienda is busy complaining that he is being blocked to fly…why dont you show us a video? Why dont you use the road …Presidency wont come knocking at your New Kasama House.
Thank you Henry, you have educated me so much about the potential wealth of the North Western Province. I did not know that this province is so rich and if exploited to the full, it would make a huge contribution to the Zambian economy, BUT why have we not known about these things when we have had Humphrey Mulemba, Enock Kavindele. as UNIP’s and MMD’s number two respectively. The province has had Ben Kakoma, Ben Tetamashimba and many others participating fully at the helm of governments past. All these people were individually wealthy. There could be something wrong about North Westerners that they easily sell their people for personal gain (the small tribe syndrome).
@ Ayattolla, a mall is not development ? Unfortunately, it’s people like you that are so mediocre you think a mall is development. These things are only as good as people have disposable income, I don’t think I need to spell this out for anyone. How many new industries are in Solwezi or anywhere else in Zambia? Look at the shacks that are everywhere, even you must know people struggling at home and somehow you believe the status quo must be maintained? Sad
The writer believes all the resources should be channelled to North Western Province. You are simply dreaming Sir. A balance is at play here. Which province has 80% good road networks other than Lsk. For rural roads North Western is better off than these other provinces.
Anyways as theorists say. Everyone is capable of managing the neighbours affairs.
@My point, you must be out of your mind. Before Shoprite went to Solwezi a packet of 2kg sugar that used to cost K24 at Chingola used to fetch K60 in Solwezi. You say that isn’t development? Sit down idyoti. Alebwelelapo
That id1ot Lungu and his thieving pathetic Foools party are not wanted in NW, he should just go to chawama where he belongs, the chap is too dull and a thieving @sshole
Henry, as usual, cannot think outside the box. The ills of Zambian economic development are multiple and to a larger extent due to the global economic weather. Musical chair psychology is crass. Simplistic solution mongering is deceptive to the electorate and totally sadistic. We have nothing against paid for polical newcasts.Enjoy your money. However, you don’t have to sell your soul the Trump clone!!!. Draw the line somewhere to protect your professional credibility.
JUST SAY YOUR GOOD BYES Mr. PRESIDENT YOUR TIME IS UP
I have learnt much more about Northwestern Province through this article and there is a lot awaiting attention under the ‘development’ umbrella. Politicization of the national development agenda is the sore that hinders certain areas of the country from receiving attention and investments! It all starts with electing an area representative not aligned with the party that one who occupies plot one belongs to. Being represented by an opposition party in the area means alienation from the national cake. Thus its politics of gratification. Maybe its high time that consideration to how governance administration is structured. I would suggest doing away with the provincial minister and replacing it with a provincially elected administrator akin governor which would encourage participation of…
contd…. participation of area specific raised indigenous people in driving the development agenda.
Well written. But let me add the neglected farmer training centers which are in ruins. Govt and development partners spent a fortune developing those to enhance agricultural productivity which is the sector responsible for employment in rural areas.
The infrastructure exists, it only needs refurbishments and staffing to ignite rural agricultural productivity.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words…here, their royal highnesses are having to contend with the stench of an unwanted guest…the man just reeks of corruption.