HH in Luapula, Day Two: Pledges on Roads, Education, Power and Connectivity

President Hakainde Hichilema today continued his campaign tour of Luapula Province with stops in Lunga, Chifunabuli, Samfya and Mansa, where he outlined development commitments and urged residents to support the UPND in the 13 August General Election.

In Lunga District, the President pledged to improve transport by procuring two barges if re-elected. He said one vessel would transport passengers while the other would carry goods to strengthen connectivity between the island district and neighbouring areas. He also promised to construct a modern boarding secondary school, build staff houses for civil servants and address mobile network challenges through the construction of communication towers.

In Chifunabuli District, President Hichilema highlighted ongoing infrastructure development, including works on the Musaila-Kasaba Road. He pledged to construct a district hospital, more government infrastructure and additional bridges to improve connectivity in the water-surrounded district. The President also announced plans to invest in fish farming and procure vessels to improve water transport. Local UPND leaders urged residents to support the party, citing achievements such as free education and road construction.

The President announced plans to upgrade Samfya District Hospital to offer specialist medical services, reducing the need for patients to seek advanced treatment in Lusaka. He also highlighted the construction of the Samfya-Chinsunka Road and rehabilitation of the Tuta Road, while promising to procure a larger and safer vessel for transport on Lake Bangweulu to enhance water safety.

The President concluded the day in Mansa, where he unveiled plans to begin construction of the Kalungwishi Hydropower Plant in the coming months. He said the project, expected to generate about 200 megawatts of electricity, would complement the Mabumba Solar Plant to improve power supply in the province. President Hichilema also pledged to establish a university in Mansa, invest in the Tuta and Chembe roads, and facilitate maize exports to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Throughout the day's engagements, President Hichilema appealed to residents across Luapula Province to vote for the UPND in the 13 August General Election, saying continued support would enable his administration to sustain and expand its development programmes.