President HH Orders Year-Round Road Access

President Hakainde Hichilema has directed all local councils to maintain passable feeder roads throughout the year, emphasising their crucial role in agricultural productivity and market access.

Speaking through Labour Minister Brenda Tambatamba at the annual Katanino Traditional Ceremony in Masaiti, Copperbelt Province, President Hichilema stressed that robust road networks are essential for efficient transportation of farm produce.

"I would like to direct all local authorities to work tirelessly to ensure our feeder roads are in good condition and passable throughout the year," the President said in his address to the Lamba-Lima people's cultural celebration.

The directive comes as the nation seeks to capitalise on recent bumper harvests and expand agricultural output. The President noted that the government has provided fuel alongside the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to enable road grading across all constituencies.

As part of efforts to support regional farmers, the government has procured and stationed four tractors with necessary accessories at Masaiti Farm Institute. This initiative aims to help small-scale farmers increase productivity beyond previous seasons.

President Hichilema commended farmers for responding to government calls to boost production, adding that protecting the bumper harvest requires improved infrastructure investment.

The announcement was made during the Katanino Traditional Ceremony, a cultural festival that celebrates Lamba-Lima heritage and commemorates their settlement in the region.

The government's focus on feeder roads reflects broader efforts to strengthen the country’s agricultural sector, which remains a cornerstone of the country's economy and food security strategy.