Minister of National Development and Planning Alexander Chiteme says President Edgar Lungu is determined to implement developmental projects that will benefit all Zambians countrywide, irrespective of their affiliation.
And Chiteme has assured the people of Central Province that President Lungu is committed to have developmental projects completed within the stipulated periods.
Meanwhile Chief Shezongo of the Ila people in Itezhi Tezhi, has commended President Lungu for being caring and taking development to all parts of the country, including areas that did not vote for him.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of National Planning Spokesperson Chibaula Silwamba, Saturday, Chiteme made the assurance during his inspection of developmental projects in Chibombo, Mumbwa and Itezhi Tezhi Districts, in Central Province.
He expressed concern at the slow pace of the implementation of some projects in Chibombo and instructed the district leadership to closely supervise the works.
At Mwomboshi Dam and Irrigation scheme, Chiteme expressed satisfaction that the contractor AFECC, was eight months ahead of the schedule.
“This is a very good project; a modern dam that will have irrigation facilities. I am very happy that I visited this dam. I have been discussing with the World Bank and this is one of the projects they are happy with. I hope we can replicate the design of this dam in every province,” he said.
Chiteme emphasised to the contractor to transfer skills to Zambians.
“I am glad you’re ahead of schedule.We appreciate that works of the Chinese contractors but we will need you to transfer skills to Zambians so that they can have the capacity to do this work in other projects,” he said.
And at Keembe Agro-Processing centre, Chiteme expressed disappointed that the project had stalled.
He directed the Central Province administration to install the agro-processing equipment.
Chiteme said the installation of the agro-processing equipement would contribute to value addition to farm produce.
In Mumbwa District, Chiteme expressed gratitude with the installation of the solar-powered borehole at Twikatane.
He said the borehole would provide clean drinking water, irrigation and other benefits to the people in the catchment area.
In Itezhi Tezhi, the minister expressed satifcation that most development projects were on course and assured the district administration of the Ministry’s support in the implementation.
He inspected the climate resilient road that connected Itezhi-Tezhi, Ngoma, Namwala, Dundumwezi, and Kalomo.
“I am generally happy with the road. They have raised the embarkment, which will ensure the road doesn’t get washed away” he said.
Chiteme further assured Namwala District Commissioner that government would engage the African Development Bank (AfDB) to consider financing the extension of the construction of the climate resilient road to Namwala district headquarters across the pontoon, to link the area and Itezhi Tezhi.
And during a courtesy call on Chief Shezongo of the Ila people in Itezhi Tezhi, Chiteme assured the traditional leader that President Lungu was taking development to all areas regardless of the political demographics.
“Thank you very much that you have been able to notice that despite the political landscape not being on our side, the President has continued to urge us the civil servants and his ministers to make sure we put politics aside and work for the development of all Zambians,” he said.
Meanwhile Chief Shezongo commended President Lungu for being caring and taking development to all parts of the country, including areas that did not vote for him.
The Chief said Itezhi Tezhi District had received unprecedented number of developmental projects which would benefit his people.
