UPND’s Nonde Sikasote Promises Mortuary, Libraries for…

UPND aspiring candidate for Chawama Constituency Nonde Sikasote has pledged to construct a mortuary at Chawama Level One Hospital and establish libraries in all wards if elected. Speaking during the launch of his manifesto, Sikasote said the lack of a mortuary at the local health facility has placed a heavy burden on residents, who are forced to transport deceased relatives to the University Teaching Hospital at high costs. He explained that families often spend between K700 and K1,000 to transport bodies, only to incur additional costs when bringing them back to the community for burial.

Sikasote said the situation is avoidable and can be resolved through proper utilisation of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). “A normal person, a normal Zambian, has an opportunity. Honestly, can you fail to reserve K600,000 or even K1 million just to build a mortuary and put a cold room there, so that people can stop going outside?” he said.

He added that he has personally engaged with the facility through donations of wheelchairs, beds, and blankets, noting that he regularly visits the hospital and understands the challenges faced by residents. “We are going to make sure that out of my manifesto, we have four wards in Chawama… we are going to work as a community. I will not work alone,” he said.

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He emphasised that libraries would complement the government’s free education policy by providing learners with spaces to study after school. Sikasote also criticised previous Members of Parliament for not residing within the constituency, arguing that effective leadership requires a deep understanding of the community. He said he would remain in Chawama if elected, adding that the constituency deserves representation from someone who lives among the people. “We are going to produce an MP from Chawama,” he said, stressing the importance of community-based leadership and active engagement with residents.

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