By Henry Kyambalesa
While addressing a campaign rally recently at Mombo Basic School in Western Province to drum up support for the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) candidate in the forthcoming Luena parliamentary by-election, Vice-President George Kunda said the country’s opposition political parties were erratic because they had no vision or plan for the country.
As usual, he could not specifically state the MMD’s vision or plan for Zambia or Western Province.
Hon. Kunda also talked about “Vision 2030” at the rally. “Vision 2030” should be balanced with the needs of our generation because in the long run, to paraphrase the famous economist John Maynard Keynes, we are all going to be dead! For this reason, there is a need for Hon. Kunda to cite some of his political party’s short-term and medium-term projects and programs designed to strike a balance between the needs and expectations of the people in Luena constituency, and the needs and expectations of future generations.
There are a lot of important projects and programs which the MMD needs to work on in Western Province in order to improve the socio-economic well-being of residents. These projects and programs include the following:
(a) Improvement of the availability of safe and clean water in the province through boreholes, dams, water pipes, and protected shallow wells, and also provide for modern sewage facilities and both public and private conveniences.
(b) Completion of the 50 km road from Uwee to Mongu through Nangula, and upgrading and maintenance of the Limulunga-Ushaa-Lukulu Road.
(c) Construction of Kalongola Bridge on the Zambezi River and Liyoyelo Bridge on the Mongu-Kalabo Road, and maintenance of all other bridges throughout the province—including foot bridges.
(d) Allocation of adequate resources for upgrading and expansion of the Lewanika School of Nursing, and construction of a new District Hospital in Mongu district.
(e) Provision of incentives for the establishment of processing industries for cotton, timber, leather, mangoes, fish, tobacco, paprika, rice, cassava, and cashew nuts.
(f) Planning adequately for both the prevention and the containment of diseases like the Contagious Bovine Pleuro-Pneumonia (CBPP) disease (which recently hit the border area between Kazungula district in Southern Province and Sesheke district in Western Province) and effective control of the tse-tse fly in order to reduce the incidence of sleeping sickness—particularly in Kaoma and Shang’ombo districts.
(g) Improvement of the road infrastructure in the province through the construction and/or rehabilitation of the Mongu-Lusaka Road, Mongu-Senanga Road, Senanga-Sesheke Road, Katunda-Lukulu Road, Mongu-Lukulu Road, Senanga-Kalabo Road, Kalabo-Sikongo Road, and the Luampa-Machile Road. It is also important to provide for the rehabilitation of the Mulobezi railway line.
(h) Exploitation of waterfalls like the Sioma for hydro-electric power, and the sandy soils found in much of the Province for glass manufacturing. There is also a need to provide for the re-opening of Mulobezi Sawmills in order to boost economic activity and the creation of employment opportunities in the Province.
(i) Upgrading of resettlement schemes in the province by providing financial and material resources for constructing and/or rehabilitating boreholes, water wells, irrigation dams and canals, feeder roads, culverts, low-cost houses, clinics, basic schools, police posts, and other essential public services and facilities. Such schemes include the Kalumwange scheme.
(j) Elevation of the Namushakende and Nkeyeme sub-districts to full district status.
I have had an opportunity to skim through brief biographies of the five contestants in the Luena parliamentary by-elections—that is, Charles Milupi of the Alliance for Democracy and Development (ADD), Muyunda Illilonga of the United Party for National Development (UPND), Mwangala Maopu of the MMD, Mutakela Mutakela of the United National Integration? Party (UNIP), and Sikatala Musole of the United Liberal Party (ULP).
I wish to urge my cousins in Luena constituency to cross political party lines and elect Mr. Muyunda Ililonga to represent them in Parliament. I believe he will competently and impartially represent them in the National Assembly irrespective of their political alignments, tribal identities, religious convictions, and/or professional affiliations.
Imwe Ba Internet Party President is this all you can come up with after you have failed a couple of students. By the way when are you bringing your party in the battle zone on the ground where electorates are. Most of the points you have raised are already on the MMD agenda, didn’t you read about the Construction of the Mongu Kalabo road by the Chinese which is about to start?
When we say 2030 we mean business. Look at your party, your wife and kids and you think you can rule Zambia? Get serious. There is no opposition in Zambia. There are only individuals like yourself with bedroom parties, with no plan to rule the country except go to plot 1 to enjoy yourself with your family. MMD’s vision is being articulated everyday, unless you leave under a rock.
Good observation…but this country has gone to the dogs
“As usual, he could not specifically state the MMD’s vision or plan for Zambia or Western Province.”
The vision 2030 is on the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry website, you can download it there and read through it. In short, the MMD is the only party that has a vision for Zambia and people can hold them accountable to it because it is readily available to them. So far, the vision seems to be getting fulfilled infact ahead of schedule if you check through the forecast-ed figures.
The MMD is a party that is all representing. In short, the person in charge has a mandate to fulfill the vision of the Zambian people. The MMD therefore is not a one man party like the PF. Which is why the MMD can field any candidate and continue with development of the nation.
In fact the MMD vision is so overly articulated that people are just tired of hearing it and are busy saying those are just plans. The fact is you have to plan to get anywhere. The opposition have no plans but just to be president and they think Zambians will buy that. Zambians are more smart and alert than some of you think. Zambians see what is happening on the ground and they see the confusion in the so called opposition and they are not going to trust their future in the hands of people without any plan or direction. All they know is insults, emotionalism, and popularism. Zambians have been through that and and they are moving on while a lot of you remain stuck in the past waiting for 21 ngwee loaf of bread and 13 ngwee bottle of milk. It not coming!!
this chap is dull and drunk with ARVs..he can’t articulate issues…
MMD Chief Bootlicker: The problem with Zambians is that we enjoy politicking at the expense of discussing real issues. It is factually wrong for you to claim that the opposition has no plans. They do have good plans. I know UPND have a very good road map for Zambia but no one wants to focus on their manifesto.( I think PF have one as well). You are more preoccupied with HH’s tribe and your imaginary selfishness than trying to focus on what plans he has for Zambia. We spend time discussing personalities and ignore core issues that can drive a nation forward. No wonder politicians exploit this weakness and manipulate the political environment to suit them
#6 Good argument. Point taken. In MMD we really desire to have a formidable opposition , remember Iron sharpen Iron and I hope the opposition sort out their mess. We are ready waiting for them.
3
#3 Mr. Capitalist – 3 E’s steering economic growth says:
“As usual, he could not specifically state the MMD’s vision or plan for Zambia or Western Province.”
The vision 2030 is on the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry website. YOU ARE TALKING LIKE A LYING FATHER TO A 5 YEAR OLD. THIS COUNTRY HAS BEEN INDEPENDENT FOR ALMOST 50 YEARS SO THOSE PROGRAMS YOU ARE TARGETING FOR 2030 ARE JUST A FICTION TO HOOD WINK US. YOU KNOW VERY WELL THOSE VILLAGERS WONT BE AROUND TO QUESTION YOUR PARTY ON THESE FALSE PROMISES.ON THE OTHER HAND, I WANT TO KNOW WHY MY GOOD FRIEND CHARLES RESIGNED AND THEN RECONTEST THE SAME SEAT. DOESNT HE REALISE THAT APART FROM THE EXPENSES THERE ARE A LOT HUSSLES AND TIME WASTING. JUST NOW RB IS IN MONGU SOON AFTER COMING FROM UGANDA WITHOUT RESTING.
Good analysis ba LT thats what we want
Good article, well articulated. What you ahve said is precious news to the wise and bad reading to the light brains. Look at number 7, the man will neve pause to think at at given time. At least this article gives us a break from hearing RB, George Kunda and Shikapwasha always embarassing them selves as they wash they dity linen in public. The advise given by Henry is what the great people of luen actually resolved to do. They will reject the rejected MMD candidate with all the degree he deserves to be rejected with. There can never come anything good from MMD.
Tonga Bull, please!!!!!!!!!!!! Yours is the only toxic comment here. Let’s build each other my brother. Ulibuiti yebo?
LT article meant for those who are gullible. Nothing new from the mouth of Hon Kunda-how come these days, he is talking too much about death?
The arcticle is very good.The polple of western province should not be used for campaings only.The government must be ashemed that western province is the least poorest in Zambia.What are their plans.
2030? Joke of all jokes when MMD has been in power for more than 2 decades now. This articles is more toxic than what mbimbe@11 refers to.
1. It is promoting MMD and swaying the masses into beliving that MMD after all has an agenda to develop zambia from 2011 and not since 1991.
2. Its better we get other views from the opposition albeit is has taken the writer a bible-volume to drive a point home i.e please LT advises you to vote in MMD.
3.Anything that MMD chiefbootylicker supports merits no reason. He overshadows the whole purpose of debate by insisting MMD-ward only.
4. Why is it that just yesturday Zesco increased tarriffs when its after all govt that is owing money to this profitmaking firm?
5. Can Tongas on this blogg advise me why HH is not the right candidate to help zambia…
Look at the MMD candidate in the pitcure, he is enjoying to be lifted by innocent and hungry boys. If he can enjoy to ride on citizend before he wins, it only explains why MMD takes us for a ride. Zambians, beware of MMD! Let us free as fast as possible from MMD. We dont hate MMD we just hate and despise their dids. They embrace corruption, they hate development and treasure bribes. Now they have brought the mobile clinics which Zambians rejected. How can a normal govt force something on citizines in a democracy? simple, greedness and appetie for bribes has overwhelmed them. Thats the way they steal. I hope they will stop coming to SA for treament and will be visting these mobile clinics of theirs. Oh RB the John walker wants to be moving with one? Be the Judge Zambia is your country.
just for info Henry UNIP is United National Independence Party. you are undermining your credibility to fail to look it up on Wikipedia or Google…
Chief MMD Bootlicker; Can you outline some of the best things MMD Govt has done since being in power please? Health, Education, Social and Economically. All we hear is about the chinese “slave owners” beating up on the Zambian while taking our resources, all the copper being rooted out of Zambia, in particular N/W province without any benefit to the local population, Shoprite in all corners of Zambia and monies going back to South Africa (PS: Kabila has vehemently opposed Shoprite to open stores in DRC), Ndola’s Industries shutdown and no new industries to replace them. I mean the list is endless. Let avoid insults or some silly answers. I need you to explain please. Have been with MMD since 1991?
hey capitalist, your shallow headed vp is talking long term plans, we would also like to know the short term plans as well.Needless to say, this is common sense as in stating one intentions when campaigning.these old men withoutbrains think we are all like them.you talk of developing plans, please explain what MMD has done for the western province since they become govt.,what vison they have for this part of the country, how and when they intend to deliver on their vision- less plans.thats not rocket science, this is common sense which most of mmd dont have
Deja Vu: Take note that writing in capital letters is SHOUTING! Who were you shouting at? Even when when you had a point, it becomes useless because your voice is TOO HIGH. Tone down you SCAM BAG
why are these thieves called honorable so so.shouldnt this be scrapped. there is nothing honorable about these thieves.
#17 kwasha- You point is spoled by your uncouth language at the end of your comment.I did not use capitals to attract your attention, all I needed was to differentiate the quotation from my comments. Others do it bold so why havent you attacked them. Only reason is is I have hit you where it hurts you most. Iam no cadre so I wrote from a historical background.
Unfortunately the people who vote will never read this article. What futility.
georgeWbush: I wish you could avoid referring to tribe in your debates. This spoils what might be a good point you are trying to put across. Your last question is completely misplaced. Yes HH is tonga but he is supported by a lot of Zambians who are not tonga by tribe. His party UPND has MPs in Southern, Central, Western and Northwestern provinces and I am sure you know that not all these provinces are inhabited by tongas. It would be benefitial for us all to debate the merits of the people vying for leadership based on their abilities and not their tribes. That is the only way we will identify the right leadership for mother Zambia.
georgeWbush: I wish you could avoid referring to tribe in your debates. This spoils what might be a good point you are trying to put across. Your last question is completely misplaced. Yes HH is tonga but he is supported by a lot of Zambians who are not tonga by tribe. His party UPND has MPs in Southern, Central, Western and Northwestern provinces and I am sure you know that not all these provinces are inhabited by tongas.
MMD Chief Bootlicker has no plan for mother Zambia he is just a kaponya who cannot not EVEN calculate the share price using THE SIMPLE BLACK SCHOLES MODEL, so please forget about this Kaponya and MWATA.
2030! what nonsense.Charles Milupi has a s.t.u.p.i.d ego to start with.When he was PAC chairman,the chap used to complain about the cost of bye elections.Really what value is he going to add even if he retains the seat which he will unfortunately?
G.K should learn from late TETA,dont yap yap even if life is closing in on you,its time to make friends
NUMBER 15! RIGHT ON THE POINT… CHEERS BUDDY!
Eish! Mr author are you a juopuranlist or a cadre… Your obseravtions are good but your statement at the end is not fair… who are you to tell the people of Luena to vote for Ililonga?
Sori i meant journalist
Illilonga – should concentrate on perfecting his dancing skill and join the Nayuma dance troupe, even his brother Rikki does not want him on his band. Milupi – over inflated ego and serious inferiority complex, trying to cover up background with some money kono we know him. Maopu – grassroots man, will have difficulty selling his party president and party but challenge not insurmountable. Luena electorate – very savvy and sophisticated, can not be predicted. They will trully benefit from this influx of TOURISTS. BRE – Top marks, thanks for promoting sanity. It is sad that come 2011 the list of jokers will increase. Cry my Beloved Country kono Mulimu u ka si buluka sicaba sa bulozi
Kyambalesa, so we vote for Muyunda hah? Forget it, we know your bias and where your political sympathies lie and you are just campaigning for your candidate, not that he is the best in the group.
Red Card Sony Ericsson Phiri (at #16): you are actually the one who is undermining your credibility. Tilyenji Kaunda announced recently the new name for UNIP. Read the article in The Post Online of May 18, 2010 entitled “Tilyenji Looks to God for UNIP’s Comeback” by Patson Chilemba. You, like Henry, have probably been out of Zambia for too long.
When AK was at the helm of UPND his shadow cabinet produced a shadow budget for the country articulating clearly what his economic program for the year was going to be if he were in power – a first for the opposition in Zambia. Today, UPND is run by an economist who showers himself with all accolades of economic success – he has failed to produce a shadow budget but just criticizes everything the Govt does. For me, it would be too much to expect PF to be able to prepare a shadow budget – you have to have a shadow cabinet first! I have no confidence in the opposition right now – sorry.