President Hakainde Hichilema has underscored the critical role that traditional leaders play in governance and national development.
Mr Hichilema says his government remains committed to working with chiefs across the country as partners in fostering development.
The Head of State said this yesterday in a speech read for him by Vice President Mutale Nalumango at this year’s Umutomolo traditional ceremony of the Mambwe, and Lungu people in Mbala district.
“As government we will continue to work with their royal highnesses in addressing challenges such as poverty, inequality especially in rural areas,” President Hichilema said.
The Head of State has acknowledged the importance of traditional ceremonies in upholding cultural identity and unity in the country.
President Hichilema added that the government will continue investing in agriculture, education, health and youth empowerment for the benefit of its people.
“Government will continue to invest in different sectors in order to continue improving the lives of its citizens, investment in health, education, agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and youth empowerment, which are all aimed at improving the welfare of our citizens,” he said.
He has commended farmers and the Zambian people for their resilience which has resulted in a bumper harvest.
“We thank the almighty God for the good rains which have resulted in the country recording a bumper harvest, this achievement is a testament to the resilience of our farmers and the Zambian people,” he observed.
The President revealed that the government is implementing a number of measures to counter the devastating effects of climate change.
“Allow me to speak to the devastating effects of climate change, we have in recent past witnessed the effects drought and other climate related challenges which affected food security, energy production, and water resources and livelihoods, in response to these devastating effects government is investing in climate smart agriculture, water harvesting, irrigation development, reforestation, and investment in renewable energy to counter the effects of climate change,” he revealed.
And Northern Province Acting Permanent Secretary, Beauty Undi-Phiri highlighted the significance of the ceremony in fostering unity.
Ms Undi-Phiri added that the government appreciates cultural diversity as a catalyst for national development.
Speaking earlier, Mambwe, Lungu Cultural Association National Chairperson, Felix Mambwe thanked the government for undertaking various developmental projects in the region.
Dr Mambwe commended President Hichilema and government for putting an end to caderism in bus stations.
He also hailed the implementation of the free education policy among others.
Dr Mambwe has since appealed to government to finish the many developments that were already commenced in order to easy the lives of people.
“We thank government for bringing sanity in markets, the free education, and investment in different sectors through the Constituency Development Fund, we however appeal to government to consider increasing the number of fertiliser bags per pack, as the people here rely on farming,” he said.
Umutomolo Traditional Ceremony is an annual event held to celebrate the crop harvest.
This year’s ceremony was celebrated under the theme “promoting sustainable economic, social and cultural development through traditional ceremonies.’’
