Thousands Welcome HH For Day 2 of Copperbelt Engagements.

President Hakainde Hichilma continued his Copperbelt engagements today, beginning in Chililabombwe where he reaffirmed the Government's commitment to improving the cost of living and ensuring communities benefit from Zambia’s natural resources.

President Hichilema directed Mulonga Water Supply and Sanitation Company Limited to urgently address persistent water challenges affecting households in the district. He stressed the need for practical and sustainable solutions to improve access to clean and reliable water, warning that service providers must act with urgency to meet the needs of citizens.

The President highlighted progress in the mining sector, citing the revival and renewed investment in key assets including Konkola Copper Mines, Lubambe Copper Mine and the Mingomba project. He said the developments demonstrate the Government's efforts to restore confidence in the mining industry, attract investment and create jobs.

President Hichilema also emphasised the importance of expanding local content in the mining sector, stating that mining companies must provide more opportunities for Zambian businesses through contracts for goods and services. He said this approach would create employment opportunities, empower local entrepreneurs and allow communities to benefit directly from mining activities.

Later in Chingola, the President reiterated the Government's focus on peace, economic growth, and improving the cost of living. He said Zambia’s transition from a period associated with instability to one of peace and democratic stability had created a foundation for ongoing development. 

President Hichilema noted that the increase in constituencies in Chingola from one to three would unlock greater access to development resources, with increased Constituency Development Fund allocations expected to support local community projects. 

He further highlighted the need to unlock the economic potential of mineral resources, including Overburden 19 and Overburden 22, so that they can contribute to job creation and economic opportunities for the people of Chingola and Zambia as a whole.

The President ended the day in Ndola. Speaking to a large gathering at Mushili Grounds during a community engagement meeting, President Hichilema said his administration remains committed to advancing key sectors, including education, healthcare, mining, infrastructure and social protection. He added that a renewed mandate would also allow the government to complete projects already in progress.

The President encouraged residents to preserve what he described as the country's democratic achievements, urging them not to return to the political violence and intolerance that, he said, characterised previous years.

He stated that his government had expanded political freedoms and created an environment in which citizens are able to participate openly in political activities without fear.

President Hichilema also highlighted the government's Free Education policy as one of its flagship initiatives, saying it has enabled more than 2.5 million children to return to school.

He concluded by calling on Ndola residents to support the ruling party in the forthcoming polls to ensure the continuation of the government's development programmes.