President Hichilema Pledges Power Connections and Jobs on Copperbelt Tour

President Hakainde Hichilema has instructed ZESCO to connect 16,000 households in the kwa Kabaso area of Chambishi, pledging to personally cover the connection costs to avoid burdening the utility.

Speaking at a community engagement in Chambishi on Tuesday, the President said he would settle the connection fees from his own resources so the power company is not driven into financial difficulty. "Just connect the people; the President will take care of the connection fee," he said, adding that he had asked for the names of all 16,000 beneficiaries. He also promised a modern bus station and progress on constituency solar power, urging unemployed residents to be patient as further recruitment continues.

In Kalulushi, Mr Hichilema announced that all volunteer nurses and teachers in the district would be employed, directing local leaders to submit their names. He appealed to those who backed the former ruling party in 2021 to "vote wisely," warning against a return to an era he characterised as marked by cadre violence and unpaid debts.

Addressing residents of Lufwanyama, the President highlighted the increase in the Social Cash Transfer from K180 to K1,000, alongside the Cash for Work programme, new boarding schools and completed staff houses. He also pointed to road tarring already under way and the Food Reserve Agency's new system of paying farmers within two days by mobile money.

Throughout the tour, he urged Copperbelt voters to renew the UPND's mandate in next week's election.