Chitambo Constituency Member of Parliament, Nelson Kabanda, has called for national unity and increased private sector participation in achieving the Grow Zambia Agenda.
Mr Kabanda notes that the government has made progress in restoring macro-economic stability and strengthening economic resilience despite global conflicts and severe droughts.
He says the Grow Zambia Agenda, which seeks to double the size of the economy, create jobs and expand business opportunities, required collective efforts from government, the private sector and citizens.
Speaking to the Motion of Thanks in parliament today, Mr Kabanda submitted that Chitambo is ready to contribute to the national development agenda through agriculture, livestock production and mining.
He however, urged the government to ensure that farmers received agricultural inputs, particularly fertiliser, on time to enable them to increase production to contribute meaningfully to national food security.
On livestock, the lawmaker said Chitambo is poised to contribute to the government’s target of earning 1U$D billion annually from beef exports and expanding the national cattle population.
Mr Kabanda also disclosed that Chitambo had mineral potential, including gold, manganese and copper, which could contribute to economic growth and employment creation.
He urged the government to streamline the issuance of mining licenses and accelerate the formalisation of artisanal and small-scale mining activities to enable local people, particularly young people, to participate in the sector.
Meanwhile, Senga Hill constituency legislator Mukwavic Sichula called on the government to prioritise rural development by investing in roads, clean water, health facilities, skills training and other essential services.
Mr Sichula noted that the area still lacked a district administration block, good township roads, piped water and a skills training college to unlock the constituency’s economic potential.
He contributed to the debate on the Motion of Thanks delivered by President Hakainde Hichilema last week to the First Session of the 14th National Assembly, that improved road infrastructure would enable farmers to increase production and contribute to national economic growth, while access to clean water would help children remain in school.
Mr Sichula revealed that out of 2,000 hectares allocated for agriculture in Senga Hill, only 150 hectares were being utilised.
He expressed optimism that the government’s commitment to improving agricultural markets would benefit farmers, who depend on farming for their livelihoods.
Mr Sichula stressed that rural communities deserved an equitable share of national development, adding that improved access to basic services would enhance productivity and living standards.
Loading read count...