Vice-President Inonge Wina says government will strive to take development to the people of Itezhi-tezhi district of Central Province despite getting low votes from the area in 2016.
Vice-President Wina said this during her two day inspection tour of the 238km Kalomo-Dundumwezi-Itezhitezhi-Namwala Road project which is being constructed by China State Construction Engineering Corporation Ltd at a total cost of US$18,786,644.04
“We’re opening up the District with more rural roads, the rural areas have been neglected but we want to bring services to these areas. Despite the low vote, the PF Government under the leadership of His Excellency Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, we will strive to bring development to people in Itezhi tezhi. As a Government, we do mean well,” Vice-President Wina said.
She also called on members of parliament to lobby government for various projects such as in roads, schools and clinics among other, despite their political affiliations.
And speaking when she met with Chiefs in Itezhi-tezhi among them Chief Musungwa, Chief Kaingu, Chieftainess Muwezwa, Chief Shimbizhi, and Chief Shezongo, Vice-President Wina commended the traditional leaders for the role they played in maintaining peace during campaigns ahead of the upcoming local government by-elections.
“It is very important that the people’s voices are heard through the Member of Parliament (MP), the MP’s core responsibility is speak on behalf of his people but the area MP has not brought up the issues raised by the Traditional Leaders, not even to my office. But regarding your concerns about maize depots, the Ministry of Agriculture has increased the number of depots and I can assure you that this will also be addressed,” said Vice president Wina.
Meanwhile, the traditional leaders complained about inadequate Food Reserve Agency (FRA) Satellite deports.
The traditional leaders also complained about the incomplete health posts whose construction works stalled in 2013; the need for government to upgrade the Itezhi-tezhi District Hospital to a General Hospital in order to meet the demands of the growing population; and the lack of a Fire Tender by the District Council among others.
Vice-President Wina was accompanied by Minister in Office of the Vice President Sylvia Chalikosa, Central Province Minister Sidney Mushanga, Justice Minister Given Lubinda, and Health Minister Dr Chitalu Chilufya among other government officials.
