. Nsanda

By MAYA NTANDA –

ACTING Republican President Inonge Wina yesterday led thousands of mourners in paying their last respects  to Road Development Agency (RDA) board chairperson Willie Nsanda who was put to rest at Nkana East cemetery in Kitwe.
Kitwe residents thronged the streets to catch a glimpse of Mr Nsanda’s casket as it was being driven to the grave site.
Ms Wina described Mr Nsanda’s death as a sad moment for the Patriotic Front (PF) and the nation at large especially that the country lost President Michael Sata not too long ago.
She said Mr Nsanda was as an entrepreneur with 42 years experience in earth moving equipment and 32 years in the transport sector, who also had the political prowess and tenacity that would live on.
Ms Wina, who also delivered a message of condolences on behalf of President Edgar Lungu, said Mr Nsanda’s death was difficult to comprehend.
“It’s a sad moment for all of us, a dark cloud has cast on us yet again on the PF and nation at large because it was only recently that we lost President Michael Sata.  For the PF we have lost a man who was a great asset, a party mobiliser and a foot soldier who mobilised the party to where it is,” she said.
Ms Wina urged mourners to believe in salvation by following the steps of Jesus Christ.
Family representative, Justin Kauseni commended Government for facilitating Mr Nsanda’s evacuation to South Africa.
Mr Kauseni also thanked other mourners for the support rendered to the family during the burial.
President Lungu granted the late Mr Nsanda an official funeral.
Cabinet ministers, their deputies,PF members of the central committee, opposition leaders Nevers Mumba and Peter Sinkamba  also attended the funeral.
Others were former First Ladies Christine Kaseba and Vera Tembo.(see picture on page 2)