PARAMOUNT Chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni people of Eastern Province has commended President Hakainde Hichilema for implementing programmes which are aimed at reducing the impact of climate change on the people in rural areas.

Speaking when Luangeni Member of Parliament, Moses Moyo, called on him at his palace, the traditional leader said he was pleased that the government is constructing and rehabilitating dams to support irrigation farming and livestock production.

Chief Mpezeni said he stands ready to work with the current administration as they have exhibited good will in mitigating the suffering of people due to climate change.

“I am very happy that the government is visiting people and responding to our concerns, especially the issue of water and the roads, so the government and we traditional leaders will continue to work together,” he said.

And Mr Moyo said the government has allocated funds for the construction and rehabilitation of five dams in the constituency.

Mr Moyo said President Hakainde Hichilema desires to ensure that water harnessing is maximised for agriculture purposes in order to support farmers with year round cultivation of crops.

“The government has given the people of Luangeni constituency funds to construct and rehabilitate five dams and the President is on record that we have to harness water for agriculture purposes,” he noted.

He said the sites for rehabilitation of the dams have been handed over to the Zambia National Service (ZNS), adding that the works are expected to commence before December 31, 2024.