Condemn acts of sabotage, Chief Machiya urges Zambians

Chief Machiya of the Lamba people in Mpongwe says the Zambians need to condemn acts of sabotage that have been recorded across the country.

And Copperbelt Minister Bowman Lusambo says government appreciates the role that traditional leaders play in national development.

Chief Machiya said Zambia has been known to be a peaceful country adding that the acts of sabotage that has been recorded should be condemned by all patriotic Zambians.

The traditional leader said this when Mr Lusambo called on him at his palace on Tuesday.

Chief Machiya also took the time to inform the Copperbelt Minister on some of the challenges that the Chiefdom was facing such as the poor communication network.

“We further wish to bring to your attention that communication system has only covered 10% of our area, this makes it almost impossible to communicate effectively. May the network providers come to our aid by constructing more towers,” Chief Machiya pleaded.

The traditional leader however thanked the government for its efforts to uplift the welfare of the people.

“For us, we stand to support the government of the day so that our people can benefit. Continue coming to this Chiefdom so that we work together, “he said.

And Mr Lusambo said President Lungu values the role that traditional leaders play in changing the lives of the people.

“I am here because President Lungu has sent me to work for the people of the Copperbelt. it is the desire of the government to work on the Mpongwe Machiya road because we know the importance of this road. The contractor is on site and very soon the project will take sharp,” he assured.

Mr Lusambo said Government is aware that the road once worked on will help in the diversification process of the Copperbelt.

“The government is also aware that we don’t have a secondary school in this Chiefdom. Let me assure you your Highness that a secondary school is coming.”

Earlier, when he called on Chief Malembeka at her palace, Mr Lusambo assured the traditional leader of government support.

“We are here as government to fully work with traditional leaders. President Lungu respects you the traditional leaders and he want to work with you. so be rest assured that government is here for you,” Mr Lusambo said.

During his visit to the two traditional leaders, Mr Lusambo also took time to explain the invocation of Article 31 of the constitution to the traditional leaders.

“We know there are some opposition leaders that are saying that the President has declared a state of emergency, I want to clarify that the President has only put up measures by giving the police additional powers to stop these acts of sabotage,” Mr Lusambo said.

“Life will continue as normal. Only the law breakers should be worried. We want to ensure that our people are safe and property is protected. This I what the President I doing, so don’t be cheated that there is a state of emergency. Everything is OK and President Lungu is in charge,” Mr Lusambo stressed.