FDD president Edith Nawakwi has pledged to construct a deep tank for the people of Chief Muchila in Namwala district, Southern Province.
And Chief Muchila of the Tonga people in Southern Province has bemoaned the lack of development in his chiefdom.
Speaking when she paid a courtesy call on his royal highness, the opposition leader said it was sad that people in the area were being forced to walk more than 40 kilometres to deep their animals when government could could help construct the facility.
She says the government could just mobilise the community in the chiefdom and facilitate the building of the facility by providing expert knowledge and other necessities such as cement and iron sheets.
She wondered how animals expecting would move for 40 kilometers just to have them deeped when they are supposed to be grazing to stay health.
“I am a farmer and I understand these challenges. I am therefore your royal Highness leaving you with a task of organizing your subjects and finding a suitable place to build a deep tank. I going back to Lusaka to source for funding from your sons hiding in Lusaka so that we can build a deep tank.
That’s why as FDD we believe that the best way for communities to move forward and the country to eradicate poverty is by decentralisation. We believe that when people are given powers to decide for themselves what they need in their areas we will see development rolling out simultaneously.” Ms. Nawakwi said.
She adds that as a party they believe that the best way of helping communities is to facilitate for the implementation of the projects chosen and wanted by communities and not just thinking on their behalf.
“For this project (deep tank) all we need is cement and roofing sheets, the other things such as digging and building your subjects can do.”
And Chief Muchila has bemoaned the lack of development in his area saying its like government does not know that they exist.
The traditional leader who was grateful to the opposition leader for finding time to visit his area said the it was difficult to feel part of the country as government had neglected them.
“I’m grateful that you have come to visit us here and see for yourself how we have been neglected in this area. We are living as if we are orphans, as if we don’t have a government.
In this area we have a number of challenges which we think you as some one aspiring to lead this country should be aware of. We have to walk our animals for 40 kilometers to find the nearest deep tank and as you know this area is the worst affected by cattle diseases.” He said.
He noted that he has heard that government is building houses for traditional leaders but that it seems only a few are benefiting from that initiative while the rest will continue to live in their grass thatched hats.
Chief Muchila further said his Chiefdom depends on farming and facilities such as roads are important.
“The other thing is as you have probably seen for yourselves the road is bad our government can’t even send a grader to help have a decent road.
Other infrastructures such as schools and clinics are nothing to write home about,”explained the traditional leader.
The traditional leader further advised other politicians not politicize Ms. Nawakwi’s gesture saying people should not stop helping those in need in the name of politics.
In the photos Chief Muchila with President Nawakwi and Nawakwi addressing party members in Mbeza, Namwala district.