MWATA PRAISES GOVERNMENT, CALLS FOR SUSTAINED DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP

 

Mwata Kazembe of the Lunda Kingdom in Luapula Province has commended Government for the positive development trajectory being recorded in the province and across the country.

The Mwata was speaking on Thursday when Luapula Province Permanent Secretary, Prudence Kangwa, paid a courtesy call at his palace in Mwansabombwe District.

The Traditional Leader praised the Provincial Administration for its leadership, noting that Luapula Province continues to register steady progress under Mrs. Kangwa, the second female Permanent Secretary to serve the province since Zambia attained independence in 1964.

“We appreciate how the Provincial Administration is managing the affairs of the province. So far, so good. While not everything may be at one hundred percent, the direction being taken gives us hope,” the Mwata said.

He further acknowledged strides being recorded under the New Dawn Administration, citing improved momentum in the construction of chiefs’ palaces and the continued recruitment of teachers, health workers and defence personnel. He expressed hope that such programmes would increasingly benefit young people from local communities.

On cultural heritage, the Mwata underscored the importance of preserving Zambia’s rich traditions, citing ceremonies such as Umutomboko and Kuomboka, which are among the oldest cultural ceremonies in the country, with well-documented histories that reflect Zambia’s heritage, identity and continuity.

He emphasized the need for sustained research and proper documentation to ensure that cultural heritage is safeguarded and passed on to future generations in a spirit of unity and mutual respect.

The Mwata stressed that engagements by traditional leaders are guided by patriotism and constructive dialogue.

“When we speak, it is out of love for the country. President Hakainde Hichilema was duly elected by the Zambian people and deserves our respect,” he said.

In her response, Mrs. Kangwa assured the Mwata that Government had taken note of the concerns raised, particularly regarding palace construction.

She disclosed that President Hakainde Hichilema had since directed the termination of slow-moving contracts and the engagement of new contractors to accelerate the works.

The interaction reaffirmed the shared commitment between Government and traditional leadership to deepen cooperation and dialogue as a foundation for delivering tangible and inclusive development for the people of Luapula Province.

This is according to a statement issued by the Luapula Provincial Administration.