THIS week, we are paying tribute to readers that have followed issues highlighted in this column since it started.
In the same vein we thank the members of Parliament, both the opposition and from the ruling party, that have so far helped this column remain sustainable.
The readers have showered praise that it is high time, members of Parliament (MPs), use this platform to explain to the constituents, what they have achieved and what they intend to do for their respective constituencies.
Zambia is currently represented by 150 MPs in Parliament. The legislatures are vital to drive development and monitor projects that are being driven by the Government.
“I wish to express my appreciation with the Sunday Times of Zambia and the columnist for initiating this platform where, MPs from both the opposition and the ruling party are given an opportunity to explain to the people that voted them into office, what development they are embarking on in their constituencies,” one reader, John Samba from Solwezi writes.
“It is also important that the MPs featured in this column are stating their positions on how they want to drive development through the utilisation of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). This Fund is critical to drive development in various constituencies”.
Mr Samba also lamented the heavy irregularities in the manner the CDF was being used and called for a serious curb of vice.
He said if left unchecked, the CDF allocations to constituencies, will continue going to waste at the expense of development.
In the previous weeks and following the release of the 2012 Auditor General’s report on the management of CDF and grants to local authorities, we have highlighted the significance that these Funds have on empowering the people through implementation of various projects.
MPs that have featured agree that the allocation though still requiring to be adjusted upwards, is a pillar of growth.
Thus the misuse of such a facility is immoral and culprits that are mentioned in the Auditor General Anna Chifungula’s report need to face justice.
Pathious Mtonga of Lusaka also lauded this platform and encouraged members of the public to use this, to air their concerns in their respective constituencies.
Mr Mtonga observed that some MPs were not performing to the expectations of the people hence they should be challenged, using this arena.
“Mr Columnist. I wish to thank you for first of all for the column featuring MPs who highlight the achievements they have recorded in their constituencies. I also wish to encourage, the electorate in various constituencies to use this column to air their concerns because not all the MPs are performing,” he said.
As the columnist, I also thank Mr Mtonga for this observation but I wish to state here, that this platform appreciates members of the public to write and air state their concerns but at the same time, please note that, political opinions, will not be featured as this platform provides for the airing of developmental issues.
Mr Mtonga hailed his area MP, Given Lubinda of Kabwata for working hard to ensure that development takes root in the constituency.
“Honourable Lubinda, should be commended for fostering development in Kabwata, he has addressed several issues of concern such as the road network, though much needs to be done in the area of drainage.
“We are still facing a lot of challenges in this aspect and I wish you our MP to work with stakeholders to find a lasting solution to this problem,” he said.
From Luanshya, Anna Mwape, wrote also commending her area MP, Stephen Chungu, for strides made to achieve development.
Ms Mwape said she has been following the achievements that Mr Chungu has continued to record in Luanshya and encouraged him to maintain the pace.
“I write to congratulate our MP, Honourable Chungu for being a dedicated MP and helping the people of Luanshya in various ways by implementing developmental projects benefiting the local communities,” she said.
From Kafue, another reader, Cephus Mulinda, saluted area MP, Obvious Mwaliteta, for his leadership saying he had so far performed well.
“Honourable Mwaliteta is doing a commendable job in Kafue and I urge him to continue in this manner. There are a lot of concerns that the people have and we wish to meet with him and discuss how we can help the unemployed youths and the women, through various empowerment programmes,” Mr Mulinda wrote.
Jimmy Zulu from Kapiri Mposhi said in his email, “Thank you Sir, for the way you have featured MPs in your newspaper, I have read the column each Sunday and it is giving a new dimension on how the Sunday Times of Zambia is highlighting matters close to the people”.
Mr Zulu observed that he wants to see more female MPs being featured in this column.
“I also wish to appeal to the MPs to avail themselves to this platform, so that they are heard and they tell us what they are doing. This is a rare opportunity and it should be used only when elections approach so that they start campaigning.
“It is important they tell us now what they are doing. I commend those that have so far featured,” he added.
In another email, Japhet Mulonda also expressed appreciation that the column accommodates MPs from all the parties with representation in Parliament.
“I wish to add my observation. I commend you Mr Kaiko Namusa for writing this column, which features MPs from both the opposition and the ruling party.
“It provides readers at the weekend to relax and read issues that affect us, issues of development are what we want to read and not political differences,” he said.
The column appreciates the readers of this column and like usual encourages mails to be sent to share their views and thank you everyone, for the words of encouragement.
For observations and comments, send your mails to – namusak@gmail.com .