. Hichilema

By XAVIER MANCHISHI –
UNITED Party for National Development (UPND) leader Hakainde Hichilema has said his government will continue with the developmental projects that are underway.
Mr Hichilema said his government would, however, ensure that all infrastructure development contracts were awarded in a transparent manner to ensure that local contractors benefitted more.
“Infrastructure will continue to be an integral part of the government agenda. The change we would like to make is to ensure that contracts are awarded in a more transparent manner which guarantees quality and value for money for the Zambian people,” he said.
Despite being a Monday and a working day, rallies in Mansa, Samfya and Chilubi attracted large crowds. Mr Hichilema also held a rally in Luwingu where he cominserated with the farmers who had not been paid.
The UPND leader was accompanied by former Finance Minister Katele Kalumba and former Luapula Province Minister Besa Chimbaka, Lubansenshi Member of Parliament Patrick Mucheleka, Lunte MP FelixMutati, former First Lady Maureen Mwanawasa, former Lukanshya MP Bernard Mpundu.
The opposition leader promised raise the living standards of people countrywide and that in 2015 Zambians have an opportunity join together and move Zambia forward.
He preached unity and peace with a committed to forming a representative and open government while also pledging to tackle issues currently faced by many citizens in the country including the high cost of living, unemployment, and overdue government payments.
“I love my country. It is my country. It is your country. It is our country. It is one Zambia. It is one nation. It is one people,” hesaid.
Mr Hichilema talked about the potential of Luapula province and its capacity to feed the whole country, as it was endowed with massive water bodies such as lakes and rivers and had good soils foragriculture.
He also spoke about the need to channel investment into areas likeLuapula province to unlock this potential.
Mr Hichilema and his entourage described the delayed payment of farmers who sold their maize to the Food Reserve Agency as unacceptable.
He is today expected to return to Lusaka where he is scheduled to hold public rallies in Rufunsa, Chongwe, Chilanga, Kafue and also visit various Market visits in Lusaka next week.