Vice President assures Chief Sokontwe

Vice President Mutale Nalumango has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing challenges faced by the people in Milenge District, of Luapula Province. Mrs Nalumango made the remarks during a courtesy call on Chief Sokontwe of Mileage District. She said the government had taken note of all concerns raised by the traditional leader adding that the government will ensure that the concerns are addressed.

“We have heard from you, Your Royal Highness, and I want to assure you that the government is aware of the challenges,” the Vice President said. Mrs Nalumango noted that Milenge’s expanding agricultural activities require efficient transport infrastructure. “With the way people are cultivating now, there is need to move their produce, when the road is bad, it becomes a serious challenge for the farmers,” she said.

Mrs Nalumango added that the government remains committed to working with traditional leaders. “We are ready and we have heard your concerns, but challenges do not end at the same time, development is a process, and we will continue addressing issues,” she said. Meanwhile, Chief Sokontwe acknowledged the government’s development efforts through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).However, the traditional leader highlighted persistent challenges, including the state of the road network, the need to commission the district police station, and the establishment of a correctional facility.“We appreciate the development that is coming through CDF, but Milenge still faces major challenges.

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Our main road needs attention because it is key to unlocking the district’s development,” the traditional leader said.Chief Sokontwe emphasized that a good road is central to unlocking Milenge’s agricultural potential and enabling farmers to transport their produce.He also called for the commissioning of key state institutions.“We need the police station to be commissioned because, as Milenge, we currently only have a police post. Once the new facility is commissioned, we will finally have a fully operational police station, which will allow our people to access services within the district,” Chief Sokontwe said.The traditional leader further appealed for farmers’ payments by the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) to be made locally.“Our farmers should be paid within Milenge, as it is costly for them to travel to Samfya or Mansa just to access their money after selling their produce,” Chief Sokontwe said. Meanwhile, Chief Sokontwe acknowledged the government’s development efforts through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

However, the traditional leader highlighted persistent challenges, including the state of the road network, the need to commission the district police station, and the establishment of a correctional facility.“We appreciate the development that is coming through CDF, but Milenge still faces major challenges. However, the traditional leader highlighted persistent challenges, including the state of the road network, the need to commission the district police station, and the establishment of a correctional facility. “We appreciate the development that is coming through CDF, but Milenge still faces major challenges. Our main road needs attention because it is key to unlocking the district’s development,” the traditional leader said.

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