President Hakainde Hichilema has warned of stern action against people that are in the habit of cutting trees which has resulted in climate change through prolonged drought in the country.
And the President further cautioned anyone who is in the habit of abusing the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to stop as the funds are meant to benefit the Zambian people.
ZANIS reports that the President said this when he graced the Chakwela Makumbi Traditional Ceremony of the Soli people of Lusaka Province.
He explained that trees are a key component of the ecosystem which enable agricultural activities to thrive in the country.
“Let me warn those people who abuse their authority by grabbing land from innocent people for their benefit, this country will not tolerate lawlessness because it belongs to everyone,” he said.
The Head of State added that has given a mandate to the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources to assist in addressing lawlessness that has been thriving for some time in the country.
And President Hichilema has threatened punitive action against anyone who is abusing CDF which is meant to alleviate the suffering of the people in the country.
The President said his government introduced CDF with the sole objective to help all citizens in the country to have access to social services such as roads, proper water reticulation system and quality education among others.
“We introduced CDF to help better people’s livelihoods regardless of tribe, the CDF fund is our flagship programme aimed at reducing poverty among Zambians, so no one will be spared once found wanting,” he said.
President Hichilema also urged parents and guardians to take their children to school so that they can access the free education.
He stated that the free education policy was introduced so that anyone regardless of tribe or status in society can acquire the much needed education which will allow them to contribute positively to the country’s prosperity.
Senior Chieftainess Nkomeshya Mukamambo II of the Soli people of Lusaka Province, thanked President Hichilema for the increased CDF which has transformed people’s livelihoods especially in the area of education.
She added that the CDF has uplifted people’s lives and that in the education sector, schools have been stocked with desks and no child is sitting on the floor.
In a speech read on her behalf by Chakwela Makumbi Traditional Ceremony Committee Chairperson, Athet Pongolan, disclosed that Chongwe District is having a challenge of land disputes due to the influx of many people looking for land in the area.
The traditional leader further urged the government to address the issue of erratic water in the district which has been exacerbated by climate change through drought.
She said culture plays a significant role in fostering peace and unity as well as preserving cultural heritage.
And House of Chiefs Chairperson, Chief Nkambo of Masaiti District commended President Hichilema for attending traditional ceremonies in the country, adding that the gesture promotes unity among different tribes.
He paid tribute to Senior Chieftainess Nkomeshya II for being on the throne for over 53 years and holding a traditional ceremony which has not been held due to some circumstances.
Meanwhile, Chongwe Area Member of Parliament, Sylvia Masebo praised President Hichilema for helping to revive traditional ceremonies by attending most of them thereby enhancing unity.
Ms Masebo also commended President Hichilema for commissioning Chief Nkomesya’s palace, saying the new palace will bring dignity.
“Thank you Mr President for blessing our mother with a modern house, the new palace will allow our mother to enjoy the comfort of the state of the art palace. We are highly indebted for the gesture,” she said.
Ms Masebo further thanked the President for initiating several developmental projects in the district such as clinics and boreholes among others.
The ceremony was attended by Chief Chamuka of the Lenje people, Chief Nkambo of the Lamba people of Masaiti District among other Chiefs.
The Chakwela Makumbi Traditional Ceremony was held under the theme; Bringing All People Together in Unity Through Culture.
