LAMBA-LIMA CHIEFS ENDORSE PRESIDENT HICHILEMA, CITE FREE EDUCATION, CDF, MINE REVIVAL
THE Lamba-Lima Royal Council of Chiefs on the Copperbelt has endorsed President Hakainde Hichilema’s re-election bid, saying the New Dawn Government has implemented people-centred programmes that have transformed communities and improved the lives of citizens.
In a statement issued by Council chairperson Chief Machiya on behalf of the Lamba-Lima Royal Highnesses, the traditional leaders expressed gratitude for the peace, unity and stability the country continued to enjoy, attributing the prevailing environment to God’s grace.
“We remain grateful to Almighty God for the peace, unity, and stability that our nation continues to enjoy,” Chief Machiya said.
The chiefs also commended President Hichilema for the remarkable development across the Copperbelt Province and the country.
“We wish to publicly express our heartfelt appreciation to His Excellency Mr Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, for the remarkable development and positive transformation that has taken place across the Copperbelt Province and the nation at large under the New Dawn Government,” said Chief Machiya.
The royal council cited the introduction of free education, rehabilitation and construction of roads, reopening and revitalisation of mines, expansion of health infrastructure, construction of chiefs’ palaces, timely delivery of farming inputs, increased Social Cash Transfer payments, the Cash for Work Programme, restoration of meal allowances for university students and the increase of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) from K1.6 million to K40 million per constituency as some of the government’s notable achievements.
“These programmes, among many other progressive policies, have significantly reduced the financial hardships that many citizens experienced before the New Dawn Government assumed office,” Chief Machiya said.
“They have restored hope, dignity and confidence among our people.”
The chiefs further commended the government for promoting peace, strengthening democratic governance, upholding the rule of law and reducing political violence and caderism, saying citizens were now living together peacefully regardless of political affiliation, tribe or religion.
“As traditional leaders, we firmly believe that development thrives where there is peace, unity, and cooperation,” said Chief Machiya.
He said the traditional leaders remained committed to working with the government to promote development, preserve cultural heritage and improve the welfare of their subjects.
“We hereby pledge our continued support and cooperation with the New Dawn Government under the leadership of His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema,” he said.
Chief Machiya further appealed to citizens to support the President’s re-election, saying, “we call upon our people to support and vote for His Excellency Mr Hakainde Hichilema so that the developmental programmes and policies currently benefiting and transforming our communities may continue for the greater good of the Copperbelt Province.”