By ROGERS KALERO
I will not impose projects on the residents of Nkana constituency, but involve people at the grassroot level, a UPND aspiring Member of Parliament has pledged.
Mr Godfrey Kapalanaka, who is aspiring for the Nkana parliamentary constituency in Kitwe, said he would work through the grassroot including the Ward development committees (WDC).
He said he was confident of scooping the Nkana seat and become an MP, who would respect ward councillors and other officials in the community. Mr Kapalanaka said a number of issues had gone wrong in the constituency like lack of effective communication and stakeholder involvement which had resulted in misplaced priorities.
In an interview yesterday, Mr Kapalanaka said he would ensure that the grass roots through the WDC were involved in various projects.
He said lack of effective communication and stakeholder involvement had resulted into a police post being constructed in Kandabwe Township instead of putting up the urgently-needed clinic
Mr Kapalanaka pointed out that a community bus had been brought to the area to ferry mourners to the grave yard instead of buying an ambulance to take people to hospital or nearby clinic whenever need arose.
He said lack of stakeholder involvement on part of incumbent MP, Alexander Chiteme, had resulted into misplaced priorities in the constituency, hence the need to change the way of doing things.
“We need to involve the grassroot through the Ward development committees. If you do this, they will tell you what they want in terms of projects and how they would like to be helped. In this case, you will reduce misplaced priorities in the constituency,” Mr Kapalanaka said.
Mr Kapalanaka said the involvement of stakeholders like the office of the District Commissioner, the Mayor, councillors and the WDC would reduce unnecessary delays on projects aimed at improving people’s lives
He pledged that once elected as MP for Nkana, he would strive to put up piped water and sewer system in Kandabwe.
“Apart from Kandabwe, I am also looking at improving water reticulation in Mindolo and sewer systems in Buchi Township. I will also ensure that there is proper sanitation in amro Township
“The other area where I need to pay attention is Mugala area which has no electricity and no clinic. I also need to deal with issues of title deeds for St Anthony residents,” he said
He said If Zambians vote for UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema, he would put their resources to good use and ensure accountability of every coin.
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