Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary Tuesday Bwalya says Government is working hard to improve social sectors to achieve economic independence and ensure that citizens live dignified lives.
Dr Bwalya, who made the remarks during the commemoration of the 62nd anniversary of independence, said the government wants to transform the economy in a sustainable manner in line with the growing Zambia agenda.
The Province Permanent Secretary said the government is fully committed to boosting the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) with a sharp focus on sustainable job creation and rural industrialization.
Dr Bwalya emphasized that the ultimate goal of the province and the country’s economic expansion is to uplift ordinary citizens by revitalizing key social sectors.
”We want to improve social sectors so that we can improve the lives of the people.” he said
Dr Bwalya stressed that economic growth will not come at the expense of the environment.
He assured residents that the government is strictly pursuing green policies to ensure natural ecosystems are preserved for future generations.
”Government wants to ensure the environment is not damaged and will grow the economy in a sustainable manner,” he noted.
Dr Bwalya, who outlined the specific trajectory for Muchinga Province, said the region will no longer rely solely on exporting raw materials.
He indicated that the government will instead be pivoting toward value addition and the creation of local manufacturing enterprises to aggressively drive national development.
Dr Bwalya further underscored that true economic independence is impossible without local ownership.
He linked economic success directly to quality education, noting that an empowered workforce is the engine of development.
”Economic independence requires the involvement of the people. Hence, quality education is important so we can give skills to our people so we can develop,” he explained.
Dr Bwalya has since reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to inclusive development, promising that no district or chiefdom in Muchinga Province or the wider nation will be left behind.
”We will ensure that development reaches all corners of the country,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr Bwalya, who was responding to the concerns from freedom fighters, said the government has put up interventions to support them.
Dr Bwalya stated that all freedom fighters have been put on social cash transfer, and encouraged those who are not there to visit the relevant department for them to receive the support.
He also said that the freedom fighters have been encouraged to form cooperatives so that they can be supported with farming inputs such as fertilizer.
Meanwhile, Chinsali District Commissioner Brenda Silwembe said Chinsali is witnessing massive development facilitated through governmental development agenda and the increased Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
Ms Silwembe cited infrastructure development such as the construction of health facilities and schools and the delivery of youth and women empowerment, among others.
She added that as the Independence journey continues, President Hakainde Hichilema remains committed to fostering development in the district and the country at large.
”As we celebrated this year’s independence, I implore everyone to renew our commitment to hard work for us to honor the dreams of our founding fathers who fought for the nation to gain independence,” she said.
Ms Silwembe stated that with chinsali being a sacred place in the story of Zambia’s struggle for independence, there is a deliberate need to embrace unity, resilience, and the spirit of togetherness.
”As we gather to honor the liberation of Mother Zambia, the theme Zambia @62 Our Journey, Our Growth, Our Future challenges us to reflect deeply on where we are coming from and where we are heading to,” she said
Chinsali District Freedom Fighters Association Gremson Katongo said Zambia is enjoying freedom and unity today because of the founding fathers of mother Zambia who fought for the country’s liberty.
Mr Katongo said currently there are a few surviving freedom fighters who need to be taken care of.
Mr Katongo therefore, has called on the Government to look into the plight of freedom fighters and care for them.
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