Copperbelt is PF bedroom
…It’s no playground for the opposition
By Francis Maingaila
Lusaka -(11-11-18) – Mufulira Patriotic Front (PF) Member of Parliament one Evans Chibanda has declared, Copperbelt province is a no go zone area for any opposition political party in Zambia.
Chibanda told Journalists during the PF Interactive Forum held at Chrisma Hotel on Sunday that the people on the Copperbelt cannot afford sacrificing the ruling PF for the opposition after what the government has done in the last seven years.
In apparent reference to the opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) which is claimed to have gained entry in the PF stronghold, Chibanda said to the contrary, the entire Copperbelt province is solidly united behind the PF under the leadership of President Edgar Lungu.
He said it is a very big joke to suggest that the opposition UPND has penetrated the PF bedroom. Copperbelt has always been the heart of the PF and it shall remain as such for decades to come.
“The fact that the UPND has succeeded to mislead and incite a few timber trading communities in Chimwemwe which led to the latest riot in Kitwe, does not entail the PF has lost grip of Copperbelt.”
According to Chibanda, the entire Copperbelt is still committed to supporting the PF but also it’s leadership and will stand by the PF in all coming elections.
He said the booming development taking place in all constituencies across Copperbelt province and the good leadership quality of president Lungu is what is gluing the province to the PF.
“All the 19 PF MPs are available to tell the tale of how Copperbelt has seen the massive development which has taken place in the recent past in the province.”
He said the infrastructure developments which the government has embarked on the Copperbelt are so visible that every one is able to see.
If anyone can say to the contrary and provide evidence that the government has done nothing but selling state owned companies not only on the Copperbelt but also else where in the country, Chibanda said all the PF MPs are ready to resign from the ruling PF and join the opposition parties, including UPND.
Talking of my Constituency, Chibanda explained, Mufulira has received a fair share of the development taking place in the country.
He said 60% of Mufulira’s Peri urban which is dominated by retirees has in the recent past witnessed massive infrastructure development, including road networks and other social amenities like markets, schools and hospitals which stand to benefit the people in the area.
At the moment, Chibanda explained, t are 10 running projects including the construction of four schools called and a clinic, all called to address education and health challenges in the area.
He said during campaign, he promised the people not only to upgrade the clinic but also constructing new schools in places where school infrastructures are lacking.
“One of the biggest challenge the people of Mufulira’s faced in the recent past which fortunately has been addressed is the mortuary situated about hundred mitres away from the hospital.”
He added that, the road leading to the mortuary is being paved and once completed this challenge will be a thing of the past.
Generally, Chibanda explained, the roads infrastructure in Mufulira are well developed and have been brought to the desired standards.
Chibanda is happy that Mufulira is also benefit from the 65 000 kilometers road projects being undertaken by AVIC international.
Chibanda also indicated that the construction of a modern market in Kamuchanga which will house over 200 marketeers is progressing well.
He added that the building new toilets blocks in all existing markets across Mufulira is also on course.
“I must state that handing over of this market to the target community will take place in the next two weeks or so.”
Besides Chibanda disclosed, the Mufulira community will soon receive an additional supper modern bus station which is on the completion point.
Furthermore Chibanda has procured a funeral vehicle which will be used by the community in his constituency during funerals.