HH Pushes Western Province Development Drive Ahead Of Polls

President Hakainde Hichilema intensified the UPND’s development-driven campaign message yesterday during a high-profile tour of Western Province that combined infrastructure commissioning, healthcare investment and renewed political mobilisation ahead of the August 13 general election.

The President commissioned the 14.5-kilometre Mongu-Limulunga Road, opened the Hakainde Hichilema Mini Hospital and held separate engagements with the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) and thousands of supporters who gathered at Mulambwa Grounds in Mongu.

Mr Hichilema said the projects reflected Government’s commitment to delivering visible development while urging citizens to renew support for the ruling party in this year’s elections.

“In the four-and-half years, we have laid a foundation, but there is still a lot more work to be done. We are only beginning, and we need your support to do more,” the President said during the road commissioning ceremony.

The Mongu-Limulunga Road, constructed at a cost of US$12 million, is expected to improve mobility, reduce dust pollution and strengthen movement of goods and services in the province.

Mr Hichilema said the upgraded road would help stimulate investment, improve trade and strengthen economic activity in Western Province.

“The story is clear, we love our people and we demonstrate that love through development such as this road,” he said.

“But the message does not end on loving and caring; it extends to delivering more for our people.”

The President described the road as carrying deep personal significance because it was along the same route that he was arrested in 2017 in a matter that later escalated into a treason case.

“This road carries history; it reminds us never to lose hope. Today, we celebrate development on a road that once symbolised challenges,” Mr Hichilema said.

Meanwhile, Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Minister Charles Milupi disclosed that the project was initially estimated at US$31 million under the previous administration before Government renegotiated the works and completed the road at US$12 million.

Mr Milupi also announced that Government would next week sign an engineering, procurement and construction contract for the Kazungula-Sesheke Road project.

The President later commissioned the Hakainde Hichilema Mini Hospital in Limulunga, saying the facility was inspired by his experience during the 2017 incarceration.

Mr Hichilema said the hospital was constructed using resources from the First Family and handed over as a gift to local communities that had long struggled to access healthcare services.

Health Minister Alex Katakwe said the facility would serve more than 16,000 people in surrounding communities and improve access to healthcare services in the area.

Meanwhile, the Barotse Royal Establishment commended the New Dawn administration for promoting peace and unity among Zambia’s ethnic groupings.

Ngambela Manyando Mukela warned, however, that the growing number of self-imposed illegal chiefs posed a threat to stability and harmony in different communities.

“There is an issue threatening the stability of this nation, an affront to our culture, which if not addressed quickly may undermine the peace we have enjoyed for a long time,” he said.

The BRE also appealed for more Government support toward road infrastructure and construction of additional secondary schools in Western Province.

Ngambela Manyando said examination performance in some parts of the province remained poor and called for increased education investment.

In response, President Hichilema said Government remained committed to expanding education access and confirmed plans to establish a public university in the province.

“On education, this President places a huge premium on investment in education,” Mr Hichilema said.

The President further encouraged stronger investment around the Kuomboka traditional ceremony to increase tourism and economic activity linked to the annual event.

Meanwhile, Mulambwa Grounds in Mongu turned into a sea of red as thousands of UPND supporters gathered for a community engagement meeting addressed by the President.

Supporters travelled from different parts of the province to attend the event and reaffirm support for the ruling party ahead of the elections.

Mr Hichilema thanked residents of Western Province for the support they gave the UPND during the 2021 elections and appealed for renewed backing this year.

“For an effective working Government, I need the support of everyone,” the President said.

He urged citizens to vote for UPND candidates at all levels, including councillors, mayors and Members of Parliament, arguing that coordinated leadership structures would help accelerate development delivery.