The Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has called on the people of Zambia to give him and the United Party for National Development (UPND) another five-year mandate in the 13th August general elections. President said this when he wrapped up his two‑day working visit to Luapula Province with a community engagement in Mansa district.
He cited tangible achievements backing his appeal, among which is the recent recruitment of 490 teachers and 494 health workers in the province, with more jobs to be created through private sector initiatives and ventures which are being spurred to ensure the economy of Zambia expands.
President Hichilema said apart from the directive for expeditious purchase and payments of maize from farmers by the Food Reserve Agency(FRA), the government is working out a process that will ease Luapula farmers and traders to sell their maize in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC).
He also noted that just as the UPND government delivered an international airport in the Northern Province, the same promise to Luapula is being fulfilled, as the new Mansa International Airport is currently under construction.
The Head of State noted that the province will be a hub connecting to global destinations soon, once the airport is completed.
President Hichilema further announced that US$33 million has been looted which was meant for the construction of Luapula University but that the UPND government’s successful debt restructuring and repayment programme has unlocked the inherited stagnated economy.
“This is paving the way for embarking on projects such as rehabilitation of the Tuta Road and other critical infrastructure in the province such as a new national university, which will be undertaken if you re-elect me and the UPND,” President Hichilema said.
On the energy front, the President revealed that Luapula Province’s electricity needs stand at 29 megawatts but the province is now host to the new Mabumba 50 megawatts solar plant.
Meanwhile, the Head of State directed that volunteer nurses that were in attendance of the community engagement be processed for employment.
He also reiterated his administration’s commitment to free education and cautioned voters against opposition falsehoods, including claims of selling out the country, saying such fears have proven baseless.
He concluded by urging the people of Luapula to turn out in large numbers and vote for the UPND on 13th August, assuring them that the second term would consolidate and accelerate the development gains already achieved.