Govt focusing on accelerating rural growth – VP Kunda

Vice President, George Kunda says government is focusing on accelerating growth in rural areas as outlined in the Fifth National Development Plan (FNDP) and the Vision 2030.

Mr Kunda said government will continue with socio economic agenda aimed at promoting wealth creation through sustained broad based growth and poverty reduction strategies.

The Vice President was addressing Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) members and Mongu residents on arrival yesterday.

He said it was for this reason that government setup the Citizens Economic Empowerment Fund and the provision of other soft loans meant to economically empower citizens.

Mr Kunda reiterated government’s commitment in supporting rural development, particularly the agriculture sector by promoting productivity in a bid to ensure food security, income generation and job creation.

He said the creation of the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries will further enhance animal health and research in contributing to the growth of the livestock industry.

Mr Kunda has since urged the provincial administration to prioritise development projects by incorporating them in the formulation of the national budget.

And speaking earlier, MMD National Chairperson, Michael Mabenga assured Mr Kunda that the party in the province is intact and solidly behind the leadership of President Banda.

Mr Mabenga has since directed both the provincial and district leadership to reorganize and cement all structures in readiness for 2011 elections.

He has also thanked the electorate in Chitambo constituency for voting and retaining the MMD in the area.

And Mr Mabenga has also advised Patriotic Front (PF) president, Michael Sata to start practicing issue based politics as opposed to insults.

Meanwhile, Vice President George Kunda has disclosed that government has embarked on the rehabilitation of feeder roads in the North western at a cost of K1.9 billion.

Mr Kunda stressed that it is government’s desire to have all feeder roads in the rural areas rehabilitated and maintained.

He was speaking when he graced the Lunda Lubanza traditional ceremony at his Royal Highness Senior Chief Ishindi’s palace yesterday.

Mr Kunda said government has in this year’s budget allocated K15 billion for the tarring of the Mutanda- Chavuma road.

The vice President stated that the tarring of Mutanda- Chavuma road has continued adding that it is now beyond Mufumbwe boma.

Mr Kunda also said that government has already secured farming inputs which are already being distributed countrywide.

He has since urged all farmers to access the inputs through their respective representative bodies.

The Lunda Lubanza traditional ceremony is an occasion when the Lunda people of Zambezi district come together to pay homage to chief Ishindi’s reign and commemorate their inheritance of a rich culture.

ZANIS