By CHILA NAMAIKO –

MORE than 250 opposition members from the United Party for National Development (UPND) and MMD led by four headmen from various wards in Choma District have ditched their parties to join the ruling Patriotic Front (PF).
The jubilant defectors were led by headmen Makali, Siachenka, Mung’anga and Siakayuwa from Nakeempa, Singani and Batoka wards.
They were received by PF provincial political secretary Simalonga Siachoona and cited lack of desirable development in their areas as their reason for the defections and that they want to work closely with President Michael Sata.
Headman Makali said he and other members decided to join PF because of alleged failure by the Nakeempa Ward councillor to deliver development to their area.
“Time has come for us to work with Government because it has money and can give us the development we need. As headmen, we support and work with the Government of the day,” Mr Makali said.
Mr Siakayuwa said Nakeempa residents want Government to construct schools, health centres and upgrade various dilapidated road infrastructure to improve their living standards.
Another headman, Siachenka said the ward had not seen tangible development for many years and people could not suffer at the expense of politicking by the local leadership.
Mr Siachoona said when he welcomed the defectors that their decision was important because many people had realised the need to support President Sata’s development agenda.
He said it was not right for the members to continue being in opposition and not receiving required development to uplift their welfare.
“Don’t remain in a political party where there is no progress, its better you join a progressive party like PF so that together we develop our country,” he said.
PF District political secretary Gloria Mapani said the PF had been strengthened in Choma and that residents had started appreciating Mr Sata’s good policies of developing Zambia.
Party district chairperson Felix Chilufya said President Sata’s efforts to deliver massive development and creation of jobs had pleased many Zambians particularly in Choma.
Efforts to get comments from UPND Choma Constituency Member of Parliament Cornelius Mweetwa failed.