Just be patient, we’re walking the talk – HH

By BARNABAS ZULU

PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has boasted that his UPND government has walked the talk on many of the promises that they had made to Zambians while in the opposition.
Mr Hichilema, speaking when he re-opened the Kasenseli Gold Mine in Mwinilunga yesterday, questioned why previous governments, despite being in power for several years, had failed to achieve what his administration had done in just three years.
“We promised at Kasempa traditional ceremony, just a couple of weeks ago, tomorrow we are meeting our promise to open Kalengwa Mine.
It will be reopened tomorrow, after Kasenseli today (yesterday). Tomorrow, we will be in Kalengwa. We are walking the talk. That is what this government is up to. We are very organised, methodical. Sometimes things are difficult, but we are walking the path, a clear path. We know where we should go,” President Hichilema said.
He also reassured Zambians that his government was focused on delivering on key infrastructural projects, citing the Lumwana-Kambimba Road as an example.
“We promised you that we will work on the roads. We heard your cry, we have driven in these roads for many years. So what you are asking for is what we think we must deliver on time. Lumwana-Kambimba Road is now under development after many years of speculation. (To page 3)
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This new dawn administration is developing Lumwana-Kambimba Road, plus the border post.
You can now go to school in Kolwezi in Congo, much quicker. Business will be very much abundant along that road. This is what your government is doing,” he said.
President Hichilema cited other important road projects, including the Jimbe, Ikelenge, Mwinilunga, Kalumba, Lumwana, and Mutanda roads.
“We are aware of these roads, and we are working on something. You will be happy very soon – months away. We understand the importance of these roads,” President Hichilema said.
Admitting the tough economic conditions, the President explained that despite inheriting a difficult treasury and the challenges brought by drought, his administration was doing its best to mobilise resources.
“We found a difficult economy. The drought has affected us a little bit, but we are working very hard to mobilise resources. Just be patient with us.”
He also shared some news regarding the Mutanda, Kasempa, Kaoma Road, revealing that the concessionaire had been agreed upon and that construction would begin soon.
“For the first time in the history of this country, you will be able to go from Lusaka to Mwinilunga, Mutanda, Kasempa, Kaoma, and then to Mumbwa. Very, very quickly,” President Hichilema said.
The President also mentioned plans for a ceremony to officially launch the construction of the Kasempa, Mutanda, Kaoma Road.
On regional connectivity, President Hichilema confirmed that he would soon be in Angola alongside host President João Lourenço and President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo to finalise the Lobito Corridor, which will enhance the railway line from Luawo, Kanongesha, Mwinilunga, Kalumbila, and Lumwana.
“Your government is working. All these things are happening within three years of taking office. What were the other governments doing for so many years? Look at what we have done in three years. We are working,” he said.
Mr. Hichilema also said the government’s commitment to the local mining sector, stating that the 14 youths who discovered gold at Kasenseli would be adequately compensated and given mining licences to continue their activities.