Lamba-Lima Chiefs endorse HH for August 13 Poll
By Moses Kabila
The Lamba-Lima Royal Council of Chiefs in Copperbelt Province has endorsed President Hakainde Hichilema as its preferred candidate in the August 13 General Election, saying the country has made significant development strides under the New Dawn Government and needs another five years to complete ongoing programmes.
Using a pregnancy metaphor to describe the country’s development trajectory, the traditional leaders said Zambia was “already pregnant” with progress and that continuity in leadership was needed for the expected benefits to be fully realised.
Speaking during a press briefing, Lamba-Lima Royal Council of Chiefs secretary Chief Kalunkumya said the endorsement was based on what the council described as tangible development achievements recorded under President Hichilema’s administration.
“We call upon our people to support and vote for His Excellency Mr Hakainde Hichilema so that the development programmes and policies that are transforming and benefiting our communities may continue for the greater good of the Copperbelt Province,” he said.
He said the Government had transformed communities across Copperbelt Province and the rest of the country through initiatives such as free education, the increase in the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) from K1.6 million to K40 million per constituency, the reopening of mines, road rehabilitation and the expansion of health infrastructure.
He also commended the Government for constructing chiefs’ palaces, expanding the Social Cash Transfer and school feeding programmes, restoring university meal allowances and implementing the Cash for Work initiative.
Chief Kalunkumya further noted that the Government had significantly reduced political violence and cadreism, creating an environment he said was conducive to sustainable development.
“We remain committed to working with Government to preserve our cultural heritage and improve the welfare of our subjects,” he said.
Council Chairperson Chief Machiya said the UPND administration had brought traditional leaders from across the country closer together, fostering unity among chiefdoms and strengthening national cohesion.
He said traditional leaders were now free to attend traditional ceremonies across the country peacefully despite the election period
Meanwhile, Chief Nkambo, through his representative, Mr Duwell Malipilo, said the good things the country was anticipating would materialise during a second term of the UPND government.
Also present at the briefing were other traditional leaders.