Connecting Eastern Province: HH Rallies Support with Major Road Upgrade Pledges
President Hakainde Hichilema rallied support across Eastern Province on Sunday 2 Augut, during which he visited Katete, Chadiza, Vubwi and Chipata, highlighting achievements recorded under the New Dawn Administration.
President Hichilema announced plans to construct Katete District Hospital, improve the Katete–Chadiza Road, expand mobile network coverage and construct more dams to support agriculture and livestock production.
In Chadiza, the President assured residents that the long-awaited Chadiza–Chipata Road, popularly known as the “HH Road”, will be tarred for the first time since independence. He also pledged that Government would upgrade the Chadiza–Chanida and Chadiza–Vubwi roads to improve connectivity, boost trade and enhance access to markets for farmers.
President Hichilema said Government would continue strengthening the agriculture sector by increasing support under programmes such as the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP), while ensuring farmers benefit from improved systems. He cited reforms that have enabled maize farmers supplying Food Reserve Agency depots to receive payments faster through mobile money, reducing delays in accessing their earnings.
In Vubwi, the President reaffirmed Government’s commitment to developing the district, announcing plans to upgrade the Chipata–Vubwi Road and construct a skills training centre. He also said the number of FISP beneficiaries would be increased to reduce the practice of farmers sharing farming inputs.
Addressing thousands of residents in Chipata, President Hichilema announced plans to widen the Great East Road to ease congestion and improve the movement of goods and services along the country’s key transport corridor. He further said Government would commence construction of the Chipata–Lundazi Road, complete works on the 100-megawatt Chipata West Solar Power Project and upgrade Chipata Hospital into a state-of-the-art General Hospital.
The President also pledged improvements to sewer and sanitation systems in Chipata to protect underground water sources and improve public health.
Throughout the tour, President Hichilema highlighted key achievements over the past five years including free education, the construction of improved market shelters, reduced cadreship, the continuation of the Cash for Work Programme, increased Social Cash Transfer beneficiaries and job creation initiatives.
He said that, if re-elected, Government would continue investing in classrooms, water supply projects, health facilities and the expansion of public services. He further pledged increased recruitment of teachers, nurses, health workers, soldiers and police officers, assuring unemployed young people that more opportunities would be created in the Civil Service.
President Hichilema also announced that Social Cash Transfer beneficiaries would receive an increased monthly payment of K1,000 and called on residents to support the UPND in the 13 August General Election, saying another five-year term would allow Government to continue expanding development across all sectors.
Today, the President will continue his tour of Eastern Province, rallying support in Kasengwa, Chipangali and Malambo.