.Dr Kaseba

By JULIUS PHIRI   –

Economic development has been identified as a major driver in the poverty eradication through the job creation and adding value to the national growth.
Luangeni Constituency in Chipata District can be cited as a good example of a place where various social and economic developments have taken place within three years the Patriotic Front (PF)  party has been in Government.
Some of the developmental projects includes, the Government lighting up houses of Luangeni village through Rural Electrification Authority(REA), the electrification of Katandala health post school, construction of Chikando Health post, the ongoing construction of Chikando Secondary School, drilling of boreholes and construction of dams among others.
Those who may have visited the wide area a long-time would be marveled with the levels of development that has been undertaken in the last three years when Charles Zulu better known as ‘Amadoda’ has been an area Member of Parliament (MP).
But the story of under-development is never the same today, as the constituency has all what it takes in terms of development projects although some projects are being initiated in the area.
According to the 2000, Census of population and housing, the constituency has more than 68,000 people of whom mostly are farmers.
Geographically the constituency is predominantly inhabited by the Ngoni speaking people under the helm of Paramount Chief Mpezeni who resides at Ephendukeni palace near the famous Feni Sub-Centre.
Despites Ngonis being the majority of people, they are also a mixture of other tribes in the constituency such as Chewas.
Senior Chief Nzamane, Chiefs Chinyaku, Sairi and Maguya have their palaces in Luangeni constituency.
Politically Nsingo, Kazimule, Khova, Makangila and Chikando wards are the ones that make up the bulk of the population in the constituency.
With respect to the acceleration of pro-poor growth, the constituency has seen economic developments in roads, health sector, education, energy and water and sanitation.
The availability and accessibility of modern energy services has resulted in sustainable economic growth, environmental protection and poverty reduction.
The electrification of the rural area REA has continued to inspire the rural communities who want to do various economic developments which require such a service.
In February this year President Edgar Lungu launched a project which is being piloted by REA in Luangeni village one of the densely populated are to light up people who stay in grass thatched houses.
According to REA chief executive Officer Geoffrey Musonda, the project was vital as it would enhance the living standard of people in the village.
Apart from the project which was launched by President Lungu, the constituency has benefitted from electrification of a number of health centres, schools and business places.
Mr Zulu who is Deputy Minister of Energy said Katandala health post, Nsanjika school, Chikando School and several other projects have been connected to power by REA.
He said strengthening economic infrastructure was one of the critical vehicles for the realisation of the service delivery in the constituency.
The MP said the constituency had just witnessed the rehabilitation of Makwe, Mgabi and  Jenda Roads respectively adding that China Jiangxi International Corporation (CJIC) has partly tarred the Chipata -Vubwi Road in the heart of Luangeni constituency.
“Yes there is a number of developmental projects taking place in Luangeni constituency where the government has connected power(electricity) to various projects. We have also rehabilitated roads and I can assure residents that more developments is coming to the people (of Luangeni),”he said.
He said President Lungu would also continue to foster development in the constituency.
The MP who was flanked by his counterpart for Kabompo West Danny Chingimbu said he was proud with development taking place in the constituency.
To put records straight, Health Minister Dr Joseph Kasonde launched the construction of 57 health posts in province at Katambo village in Luangeni constituency.
Former first lady Christine Kaseba also launched the campaign at Luangeni constituency as part of robbing young people especially girls of an opportunity to excel in life.
Mr Zulu said he was happy that Chiswa health centre was opened adding that another health post at Feni Sub-Centre was yet to be opened.
He said the Government was aware about lack of accommodation for staff and would do so soon to improve staffing levels at the centres.
He said that all clinic projects in Luangeni constituency need to be completed and made functional, a task that requires huge resources to accomplish.
On water and sanitation, Government released K1.7 million for the construction of Mkoche dam in the area.
The construction of the dam would promote irrigation farming among the communities as well as promote livestock in the area.
He said people were faced with the shortage of water people in the area and that this would be a thing of the past.
Mr Zulu said that 60 per cent boreholes have also been sunk in the constituency to enable people drink safe water.
He said the Government was also empowering women clubs in various parts of the constituency.
Suffice, sustainable development is the key for Zambia and the frequent visitation of the MP in the constituency has helped to raise hope for more economic development.