Lusaka Province Permanent Secretary, Joe Kalusa says the Provincial Cultural Festival is a deliberate effort aimed at creating an inclusive culture for all, regardless of race, gender, language or political differences.
Mr Kalusa noted that the festival serves as a reminder of the values and norms that bind communities together and maintain a sense of identity and belonging, as one people, enabling the safeguarding of Zambia’s heritage.
He said this through a speech read on his behalf by Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary, Gideon Mwanza at the Lusaka Provincial Cultural Festival.
Mr Kalusa noted that the cultural sector is objective driven and allows for the event to bring together the country’s cultural heritage, thus demonstrating the government’s desire to foster the country’s cultural infrastructure development.
“It’s worth noting that the hosting of this festival is significant and timely because we are also here to handover the newly built information center and the completed wall fence to the management and residents of Kabwata Cultural Village,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary indicated that the event is evidence of the government’s effort to ensure that cultural infrastructure is protected and preserved.
He urged vendors and traders to guard the infrastructure where culture is preserved, protected and nurtured.
Mr Kalusa stated that the government has placed tourism as one of the key sources of revenue collection, stating that culture had proven to add great value to the socio – economic development of the country.
“It is in light of this, the government believes that culture and cultural products will become a major source of employment for the people, especially youths,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Kalusa disclosed that the festival is a buildup to the national festival, dubbed the “Pamodzi Carnival” aimed at creating opportunities for people of different ethnic backgrounds to interact, dialogue and enjoy the country’s rich cultural diversity.
And Ministry of Tourism Permanent Secretary, Evans Muhanga stressed the need to take deliberate efforts in ensuring that the country’s culture is documented.
Mr Muhanga who was represented by Director Culture and Traditional Affairs, Bessy Chilemo noted that the newly built information center will serve as a focal point for communication, information sharing and public engagement.
He stressed that despite the information center being based in Lusaka, it is important that the country’s culture diversity is stored at the center to enable tourists access information on Zambia’s rich cultural heritage.
He observed that such facilities provide a solid foundation for a world class cultural tourism experience, ensuring that the place is both secured and well presented to attract tourists and increase revenue.
“May I take this opportunity to commend the Lusaka Province Administration led by PS Kalusa for their commitment and vision in the development of these facilities, a clear demonstration of how Government collaboration can turn ideas into reality,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kabwata Cultural Village Chairperson, Susan Mwananyanda expressed gratitude to the government for the new infrastructure at the facility.
Ms Mwanyanyanda explained that prior to the construction of the wall fence, the facility experienced rampant cases of trespassing.
She commended the government for the new toilet currently under construction using the Constituency Development Fund.
