HH Pledges More Roads, Jobs and Mining Reforms in Central Province
President Hakainde Hichilema has concluded his campaign engagements in Central Province with renewed commitments to infrastructure development, mining, healthcare, education and job creation, urging voters to give the UPND a second term to sustain the country's development agenda.
In Katuba, President Hichilema called on residents to vote for the UPND in the 13th August general election, saying a renewed mandate would enable Government to deliver more roads, improved health facilities, increased agricultural support, more jobs and greater business opportunities.
The campaign then moved to Shibuyunji, where the President pledged to upgrade the Farmers Turn-off–Itezhi-Tezhi Road, the Situmbeko Road and several feeder roads. He also committed to completing the district administration offices and houses for civil servants, constructing Shibuyunji District Hospital, and sustaining free education, increased Constituency Development Fund allocations and expanded social cash transfer programmes.
UPND National Chairperson Collins Maoma and veteran politician Jonas Shakafuswa also appealed to residents to vote overwhelmingly for the ruling party.
In Nangoma, President Hichilema assured small-scale miners that eligible operators would be issued with mining licences and encouraged to adopt safe mining practices. He said a second UPND term would see the establishment of gold washing plants to enable miners to process gold without using mercury and protect water sources.
The President also pledged to tar the road leading to Senior Chief Shakumbila's palace and said Government would consider the creation of Nangoma District. Senior Chief Shakumbila endorsed President Hichilema, while UPND parliamentary candidate Collins Nzovu expressed confidence of a strong electoral performance in the constituency.
The campaign concluded in Mumbwa, where President Hichilema announced the discovery of significant copper deposits and revealed that another mine would be established in the district. He said Government would establish a skills training centre to prepare local people for employment in the mining sector, renew licences for compliant small-scale miners and promote safe mining.
The President also pledged to upgrade the Mumbwa-Kasempa Road and other road infrastructure, upgrade Mumbwa District Hospital, construct a modern bus station and establish additional depots to support economic growth in the district.