President Hakainde Hichilema has expressed happiness that the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) has been fostering development in Luangwa District of Lusaka Province from 2022 to 2025.
President Hichilema says CDF has continued to uplift the livelihoods of people through community empowerment grants, skills and Secondary School Bursaries and the construction projects which includes the palace for Senior Chief Mburuma of the Nsenga-Luzi people in Luangwa.
ZANIS reports that the Head of State said this in a speech read on his behalf by Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Gift Sialubalo, during the Mbambara Traditional Ceremony, held under the theme, “Cultural restoration for national unity, peace and economic development in Zambia after 61 years.”
President Hichilema stated that massive development is expected to continue in the district through the expanded CDF in the 2026 budget from K36.1 million to K40 million.
“Our Government is committed to continue enhancing efforts to enhance the lives of people in the country and residents of Mburuma Chiefdom in particular”, He said.
President Hichilema explained that many of the achievements in the communities would not have been possible without the guidance of the traditional leaders adding that the celebration of more than 60 years of national peace, togetherness, and economic growth in Zambia is a shared accomplishment.
“The government values the traditional leadership for the unifying and developmental function it plays and ceremonies like this one serves as a crucial reminder of our identity as individuals and advancing the culture of any group in the nation”, he explained.
Speaking at the same event, Lusaka Province Minister Sheal Mulyata, who was represented by Lusaka Province Permanent Secretary Joe Kalusa, said the government recognises the indispensable role of traditional leaders as key stakeholders in national development.
Ms Mulyata noted that Chiefs are not only custodians of customs and values but are front line partners in advancing the well-being of communities.
“We acknowledge and are grateful that traditional leaders help in mobilising communities, resolve disputes, promote social cohesion and facilitate the implementation of government programmes”, she appreciated.
Meanwhile, Senior Chief Mburuma of the Nsenga-Luzi people in Luangwa District, who spoke through his representative Joseph Felemenga, appreciated the government for the various interventions that have been implemented in his chiefdom to uplift the livelihoods of people in the area.
