By KASONDE KASONDE –
A TRADITIONAL leader in Chirundu District has said the Patriotic Front (PF) Government  has proved that it means well for the people through its development agenda and deserves support from all well-meaning Zambians.
Chief Sikongo of the Tonga people said the Government should be supported in its bid to develop the country, and he pledged his support in its quest to achieve sustainable development.
He said Chirundu had experienced transformation in the recent past following the massive projects that had been undertaken.
Chief Sikongo said his chiefdom was happy that the area had been put on the map since it was declared a district, and that road works were launched to open it up for more trade as it was a border town.
He said this yesterday when China Henna International Corporation (CHICO) handed over Nyanzala Primary School to the Government.
“We entered into an agreement with the contractor to put up permanent structures during the road rehabilitation process, and after the roads are done, the structures should be transformed into a school for the locals,” Chief Sikongo said.
He said the area had experienced unprecedented infrastructure development in the recent past and people were happy.
Meanwhile, Infrastructure Development and Housing Minister Ronald Chitotela said the Government was ready to work with traditional leaders in achieving its development agenda because they were on the grassroots.
Mr Chitotela commended the Road Development Agency (RDA) for successfully delivering the road works on the Lusaka-Chirundu Road project by CHICO.
He said the road works were executed at a total cost of US$ 27 million and created employment for 346 people.
Mr Chitotela said the hand-over of the school was part of the contractor’s corporate social responsibility programme.
Receiving the school on behalf of the Government, General Education Minister Dennis Wanchinga appealed to the traditional leader to fight early marriages in his area by encouraging his subjects to keep the girl-child in school.
Dr Wanchinga said the Government was committed to providing quality education to the masses and would continue to build schools especially in the rural areas where people covered long distances.