HH graces Umutomolo ceremony of the Namwanga people

By Prince Chiyuni

President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA has praised the Namwanga people for their culture of hard work and unity.

The President says the Namwanga people have over the years exhibited a spirit of hard work, which he says should be emulated by others.

He has also thanked Chieftainess WAITWIKA for preserving the Namwanga heritage of hard work.

The Head of State said this when he graced this year’s Umutomolo traditional ceremony of the Namwanga people at Chieftainess WAITWIKA’s palace.

President HICHILEMA also thanked the Chieftainess for inviting him to grace this year’s Umutomolo traditional ceremony and for accepting to adjust dates for the ceremony so that he can attend.

He further said government stands ready to work with traditional leaders to deliver development to all parts of the country.

President HICHILEMA said the development agenda must be anchored on peace, stability and unity.

The President also thanked the people of Muchinga for producing more maize.

He said government will continue to support farmers in the Province, so that they produce more.

And speaking through her representative, BLACKWELL SILWENGA, Chieftainess WAITWIKA thanked the President for being the first Head of State to grace the Umutomolo traditional ceremony.

Chieftainess WAITWIKA also praised Government for developmental projects that have benefited the people of Nakonde.

The traditional leader thanked government for the ongoing construction of new palaces, which she said is a testimony of government’s commitment to improve the welfare of Chiefs.

And Chieftainess WAITWIKA appealed to government to consider increasing farmer inputs in the district and ensure early delivery.

And Local Government and Rural Development Minister GARY NKOMBO urged people to take advantage of the increased Constituency Development Fund to improve their livelihoods.

Mr. NKOMBO said government has implemented the decentralisation process which has made it possible for people to make their own development decisions.

Meanwhile, Muchinga Province Minister, HENRY SIKAZWE said construction of a solar energy plant in partnership with USAID is under way.

Mr. SIKAZWE said the project is being done at a cost of five hundred thousand dollars and will produce about 125 Kilowatts.

And Mr. SIKAZWE said the Food Reserve Agency in Muchinga Province has bought 124 metric tonnes of maize from the farmers.

Meanwhile, Umutomolo Traditional Ceremony Organising Committee Chairperson, GEORGE SINKALA thanked companies and individuals that have contributed towards the hosting of this year’s ceremony.