By JAMES KUNDA –
SOUTHERN Province last week became the latest prefecture in the country to be honoured with a visit by President Edgar Lungu, who was in the company of First Lady Esther.
Apart from State House staff, others in the Presidential entourage included Defence Minister Richwell Siamunene and his Southern Province counterpart Nathaniel Mubukwanu.
President Lungu’s journey from Lusaka to Southern Province last Tuesday was unique as he opted to travel by road and not by air.
The Head of State undertook a two-day working visit of the area to inspect Government developmental projects as well as assess the severity of the famine due to the prevailing poor rainfall pattern.
President Lungu commenced his tour with a visit to Chikankata to check on the construction of the new district administrative office which has gobbled up K85 million.
The facility, which will be ready for occupation this April, will accommodate a Police post, post office and 52 staff houses.
The Head of State was happy with the construction of the district administration block which has reached an advanced stage.
Mr Lungu took advantage of his presence in the area to address Chikankata residents who turned up in their numbers to welcome him to the area.
President Lungu urged the people of Chikankata not to vote for opposition political leaders who will only use them as a stepping stone to enter State House.
Mr Lungu said some politicians bragged about possessing immense wealth but wondered why they would stop at nothing to attain the presidency.
He told the people that Zambia was one family and no tribe should be sidelined.
While in the area, the Head of State also held a meeting with Chieftainess Mweenda and chief Nalwama of Chikankata District.
The two traditional leaders told the Head of State that contrary to word in some sections of society, he was welcome in the province.
“Your Excellency, reports that you are not welcome here are false because we regard you as a son and we are very happy with the development that you have brought to this country,” Chief Nalwama said.
Chieftainess Mweenda said she was happy with President Lungu’s humility.
“When someone is standing next to you, they cannot even know that they are standing next to a President.
“Thank you for the respect that you have shown us your Excellency and we are grateful for your presence here today,” she said.
Mr Lungu thanked the two traditional leaders for embracing him saying that the privilege should be extended to all politicians who called on the traditional leaders.
From Chikankata, Mr Lungu proceeded to Monze, through Mazabuka which came to a standstill as the first couple’s motorcade passed through.
Excited residents thronged the streets to catch a glimpse of the President who obliged by standing up through the roof of the vehicle and waving at the people.
In Monze, President Lungu met chiefs Monze, Chona, Hamusonde and Chieftainess Choongo.
Speaking on their behalf, Chief Hamusonde said the area had seen unprecedented development since the PF took over Government in 2011.
“We thank the PF Government for working on the Monze –Nieko Road, constructing 11 health posts and offloading maize to enable Monze residents buy in light of the hunger in the district.
“All these were achievements which eluded previous Governments,” the traditional leader said.
The President urged the chiefs to continue providing checks and balances on the performance of his Government.
Mr Lungu stopped over in Choma for a night’s rest ahead of the following day’s assignment.
His tour of duty in Choma began with a meeting with four traditional leaders whom he assured that the Government had put in place measures to ensure that adequate maize stocks were secured to guarantee both household and national food security.
Mr Lungu told chiefs Chikankata, Sinazongwe and Mapanza that the Government would do all it can to secure enough food stock for the country.
The Head of State also took the same message to Chief Macha who indicated that the area was likely to record a zero-maize output due to poor rainfall.
Mr Lungu addressed a public rally at Choma’s Independence stadium where the people were in an ecstatic mood to see their President.
President Lungu used the occasion to preach peace and unity among the people as the country readies for the August 11, tripartite elections.
He concluded his tour of the province with a visit to Kalomo District where he met chiefs Sipatunyana from Kalomo and Simwatachela from Zimba.
He assured the two traditional leaders of the Government’s commitment to developing all corners of the country.
The Head of State also addressed Kalomo residents whom he assured that no individual will be allowed to divide Zambia on tribal lines.
President Lungu concluded his visit of Kalomo with a tour of the district hospital which is currently under construction.
Mr Lungu returned to Lusaka on Thursday last week but he is currently in Eastern province on another tour of duty.