Stakeholders in Chinsali district have called for intensified sensitisation of the public ahead of the Muchinga Province constitution amendment sittings.
Basic Teachers Union of Zambia (BETUZ) Deputy Director Maclan Sichone, says it is important that more publicity on the constitution amendment process is intensified before the sittings next week.
Speaking through an interview in Chinsali, Mr Sichone charged that the general public needs to be equipped with enough information for them to make reasonable submissions during the engagement with the Technical Committee.
He stated that the constitution amendment sittings are very important as they give a platform to different stakeholders to make their submissions on the proposed provisions included in the constitution amendment.
“I wish to urge the organisers of these sittings to reach out to the masses in all parts of the province especially in remote areas in order for them to have an idea of what this constitution amendment is,” he added.
Mr Sichone further mentioned that the district is ready to engage with the Technical Committee in a bid to understand and make submissions that will make a more people-driven and responsive constitution.
And Former Mayor of Chinsali Thomas Mutale urged the media in Chinsali and Muchinga at large to publicise the constitution amendment sittings using various digital platforms, stressing that more publicity will guarantee a transparent and interactive engagement.
Mr Mutale observed that through massive sensitisation and publicity, the general public will be able to know the proposed amendments of which they will be able to make informed decisions and submissions.
“As Chinsali, we have received this invitation with both hands and we hope that fruitful submissions and consultations will be made,” he added.
Mr Mutale also appealed to Chinsali residents to take keen interest in participating in the constitution amendment sittings, stating that the constitution is meant for the people and therefore, the need for their participation.
Meanwhile, Chinsali Acting District Commissioner Brenda Silwembe said preparations towards the sittings are moving steadily.
Ms Silwembe stated that announcements of the event is being conducted through the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) public address system to ensure that a multi-section of people participate in the sittings.
She further highlighted that the constitution amendment sittings are important as they shape the development of the country.
The Technical Committee on the amendment of the constitution will commence its sittings in Chinsali from November 3rd to 6th 2025.
