President Hakainde Hichilema has reaffirmed the United Party for National Development (UPND) government’s commitment to delivering development to all corners of Zambia, dismissing attempts by political opponents to divert attention. Speaking to a large crowd upon his arrival at Kasama airport before heading to Nakonde district for the Umutomolo Traditional Ceremony, President Hichilema emphasized the importance of prioritizing tangible progress over political rhetoric.
The President highlighted that while other political figures may seek to regain relevance by criticizing the current administration, his government remains laser-focused on addressing Zambia’s development needs. The Northern Corridor, in particular, has been identified as a key area requiring significant attention, with the President pointing to the failures of past administrations as the root cause of the region’s underdevelopment. He acknowledged that the people of Northern Province, like many other regions, had been left behind in previous years, with insufficient infrastructure and services stunting economic growth.
President Hichilema’s speech underscored the UPND government’s ambitious agenda to correct this historical imbalance. His message was clear: development is not a privilege for a few regions, but a right for all citizens across the country. As he spoke, the crowd at the airport, made up of local residents and political supporters, cheered in agreement, reinforcing the notion that this administration’s promises align with the aspirations of the people.
One of the key initiatives President Hichilema announced was the modernization of the Nakonde Border Post. Nakonde, which serves as a crucial entry point between Zambia and Tanzania, plays an integral role in facilitating trade and the movement of goods between the two countries. By enhancing the efficiency and infrastructure of the border post, the government aims to boost trade not just within Zambia but across the wider region. The Nakonde border has historically been plagued by inefficiencies, leading to delays in the transport of goods, increased costs, and lost opportunities for businesses on both sides. With the planned upgrades, the UPND government hopes to transform Nakonde into a beacon of economic activity.
Beyond improving trade, the President also revealed plans to build a new airport in Nakonde. This development, according to President Hichilema, would have a far-reaching impact on the district’s economy, creating much-needed employment opportunities for local youth. The construction of the airport is expected to attract investment, enhance transportation links, and foster the growth of industries such as tourism, logistics, and services. By connecting Nakonde to other parts of the country and the region more efficiently, the project would help unlock the district’s economic potential and raise the standard of living for its residents.
The government’s focus on Nakonde reflects its broader approach to development, which places an emphasis on infrastructure as a foundation for long-term growth. President Hichilema has frequently mentioned that infrastructure development whether in the form of roads, airports, schools, or hospitals is central to achieving the UPND’s vision for a prosperous Zambia. Such investments not only create immediate jobs but also lay the groundwork for sustainable economic opportunities for future generations.
As the President outlined his plans, it was clear that the UPND administration views these projects as part of a holistic strategy to reduce regional disparities in development. Northern Province, long perceived as lagging behind other regions, will benefit from both the infrastructural developments and the resulting economic activities they bring. However, President Hichilema was quick to remind his audience that these changes will not happen overnight, stressing that the government remains committed to gradual but meaningful progress.
In his final remarks, President Hichilema urged Zambians not to be swayed by detractors but to focus on the positive changes underway. He reassured citizens that the government would remain steadfast in its efforts to develop all regions of the country, ensuring that no area, especially those historically neglected, is left behind. As he departed for Nakonde to celebrate the Umutomolo Traditional Ceremony, his message was one of hope, unity, and the promise of a brighter future for all Zambians.
Please walk your talk; the current nepo model doesn’t serve to ensure “a brighter future for all Zambians.”
And there can never be any meaningful development amidst blackouts. Therefore, this should be keeping you up all night.
Has the campaign for 2026 started>????? I am wondering all this cris crossing the country. From Kalumbila to Monze…Monze to Choma …..Choma to Nakonde…… Nakonde to Serenge…..all this in one week.
@ KOPALA UPND YOUTH,
Your opposition parties have been in campaign mode since August 2021, so dont be suprised, UPND is now reacting.
Interestingly, opposition parties leaders and their minions on LT were calling out HH for travelling to foreign countries. And when he stopped and started travelling the country, they are up, again calling it a campaign.
What do you want him to do?
Is an airport really a priority for Nakonde? Come on, man it’s not. How many people resident in Nakonde buy an air ticket per year? Is there even one single travel agent in Nakonde?
He’s in full campaign mode so much that he doesn’t realize that Zambia is three quarters without electricity power.
So many moving parts, he has to attend to all of them. Electricity is coming soon, watch the space.
Go and urinate in kariba, as CK would say……..
Spaka I wish you had lead by example when Kambwili used those nasty words.
Of course he is in campaign mode and has been for a while
Current busineses are suffering so look after those
This loadshedding is here for a long while meanwhile Zesco is busy connecting new users, and big drawers at that.
Loadshedding is for all yet the top brass hasn’t been subjected to it
I say apart from hospitals everyone even HH must suffer
Let’s put all our efforts on ways of ending load
Shedding.Development can wait for now.
Negroes please!!!!!!! What happened to the implementations of the BIGGEST China visit? Wait & see akaboba akatikati he is going to build!!! This chap has all failures written all over him
Just enjoy your Lungu funding.
Hehehehe……..
Badala…….
You think projects are implemented haphazardly without widespread consultations……..?
Kanshi………That’s why PF build roads that last 2 years
Sure UPND ukutana ama cadres babo, they are so poor, these chaps risked everything for nothing!!! Ingombe ilele for sure!!!!! They must just shut up these hungry forsaken, tricked dumped upnd cadres / thugs.. bangwele imwe!!! Ufimbenuma iwe zo ona!!!! If they can starve their own cadres what about any Zambian? Judge for yourself!!! Do people still believe what comes out of this chap’s HH mouth? Nigga please!!!!!!
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The UPND would rather empower citizens than caders……..
You PF think empowerment of caders with cash and corruption is development ??
No……change yowa mindset……
Your grand children will be paying for this misappropriation of public funds. Politicians are demons in flesh!!!!!!!
Lets see the kind of sausage airport he is putting up!!!! I pray it is not ingombe ilede kind of airport!!!! B/coz whatever these goons try to do backfires in their lying thieving faces!! We see through you!!!! 2026 cheap campaigning gimmicks!!!!
Definitely not and over priced one……
That sausage air port was built to cater for 27 planes carrying 200 passengers landing every day……including Sundays
What a sausage
The usual rubbish from @UFIMBENUMA
Tiyoko iwe chi blackman, you are having chest pains iwe ngwele. Muzalila wait!!! You unexposed villager!!! Kikikiki chest pains ka!!!!
We are here…….
Fo…..fo…….Forwadee 2031
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I think, fortunately, the population of sensible Zambians far out weights the population of foools………..
I mean , why would some one support an alleged theif , who has had property grabbed for him , for failing to account for it………
To be president ????
Someone commented at why world democracies are silent at the prospect of barring lungu to stand again……..those countries are shocked at how a man accused of stealing is potentially being allowed to preside again , without clearing his name first.
On this, I do not agree. Zambians do not fly and this can be seen by the miserly regional flight passenger services. We closed Kalulushi South Downs and Chipata airport but want to build a Nakonde airport? For what? What we need in Zambia is more INTERNATIONAL airports. Kasama, Mfuwe, Solwezi, Mongu, and Mansa must become international airports so that people can fly directly to the provinces without having to connect in Lusaka. If a Tanzanian wants to fly to Kasama, he has to fly to Dar first, and then to Lusaka, and then to Kasama. Ridiculous.
Nakonde doesn’t need an airport but at least all provincial capitals should have at least a small airport to easily connect to Lusaka.
He found excellent road infrastructure so he had to promise something beyond roads.
PRIORITISES My foot
I find it concerning when political leaders overlook a fundamental principle of economic theory: the primary drivers of the economy are its citizens and the private sector, not the government. While President Hakainde Hichilema’s commitment to development is commendable, it’s crucial to recognize that government intervention, especially when it competes with its citizens, can lead to unintended consequences, such as inflation.
Inflation erodes purchasing power and undermines the very development the government aims to achieve. Instead of positioning itself as a competitor in the economic landscape, the government should focus on creating a conducive environment for entrepreneurship and investment.
In his final remarks, President Hichilema urged Zambians not to be swayed by detractors but to focus on the positive changes underway.
Positive changes? I’m yet to see them. Being swayed by suffering, not by detractors.