Crowds Turn Out for Hichilema on Day Two in Copperbelt
President Hakainde Hichilema continued his Copperbelt engagements today, beginning in Chililabombwe where he restated the government's commitment to easing the cost of living and ensuring communities benefit from Zambia's natural resources.
The President directed Mulonga Water Supply and Sanitation Company Limited to move urgently on the persistent water problems affecting households in the district. He called for practical, lasting solutions to improve access to clean and reliable water, warning that service providers must act with urgency to meet residents' needs.
He highlighted progress in mining, citing renewed investment in key assets including Konkola Copper Mines, Lubambe Copper Mine and the Mingomba project. These developments, he said, showed the government's success in restoring confidence in the industry, attracting investment and creating jobs.
The President also pressed for greater local content in mining, saying companies must open more opportunities for Zambian businesses through contracts for goods and services. This, he said, would create jobs, empower local entrepreneurs and allow communities to benefit directly from mining.
In Chingola later in the day, the President returned to the themes of peace, economic growth and the cost of living. He said Zambia's move from instability to peace and democratic stability had laid the foundation for continued development.
He noted that the rise in Chingola's constituencies from one to three would unlock greater development resources, with larger Constituency Development Fund allocations expected to support local projects.
He also called for the economic potential of mineral resources, including Overburden 19 and Overburden 22, to be unlocked so they can contribute to jobs and opportunities for Chingola and the wider country.
The President ended the day in Ndola. Speaking to a large gathering at Mushili Grounds, he said his administration remained committed to advancing education, healthcare, mining, infrastructure and social protection, and that a renewed mandate would allow the government to complete projects already under way.
He urged residents to safeguard the country's democratic gains and not return to the political violence and intolerance of earlier years. His government, he said, had expanded political freedoms and created an environment in which citizens can take part in political life without fear.
The President pointed to the Free Education policy as a flagship achievement, saying it had enabled more than 2.5 million children to return to school.
He closed by calling on Ndola residents to support the ruling party at the coming polls to ensure the government's development programmes continue.