Chief Jumbe Wants Faith Lungu to Help Unlock Mambwe’s Potential

By Pauline Ngozoh

Chief Jumbe of the Kunda-speaking people of Mambwe District in Eastern Province has urged Independent Member of Parliament for Malambo East Faith Lungu Bury to work with other leaders to transform Mambwe, one of Zambia's oldest districts.

Speaking when Lungu, accompanied by former Malambo MP Maxwell Mwale, paid a courtesy call on him, the traditional leader noted that Mambwe is lagging behind newer districts and called for hard work to make it a destination of choice for tourism and investment.

Chief Jumbe paid tribute to ancestors who preserved the area through conservation, pointing out that it has huge mineral deposits that could benefit Mambwe and the whole country. He stressed that Lungu should ensure good roads as poor roads hinder development in sectors such as tourism, and should work with all stakeholders because chiefs are closer to the people while she is closer to central government.

The Kunda chief also revealed that the Kunda Royal Establishment has started a solar power project with some proceeds to be ploughed back into the community, and that he designed a bridge to improve connectivity. He explained that he is mobilising resources from community members including Lungu to allow ox-carts and vehicles weighing up to three tonnes to pass.

Meanwhile, Lungu thanked Chief Jumbe for allowing all political players to interact with his chiefdom before, during and after elections, and stated that she would regularly seek his counsel with priority on the Jumbe-Chikowa-Msoro road, bridges and drinking water. Earlier, Mwale introduced Lungu as a young woman seeking the chief's blessings before she starts working following her victory as the first woman MP in Mambwe history.