Posted Oct 03, 2009
Namwala, Oct 3/09 ZANIS-President Rupiah Banda says government will continue to support traditional ceremonies and other cultural practices because they paly a vital role in the economic development of the country.
In a speech read on his behalf by Minister of Community Development and Social Services Michael Kaingu, during the Shimunenga traditional ceremony of the Ila people of Namwala today, President Banda said government values the holding of such events as they are unifying factors in achieving economic prosperity.
“Government is committed to supporting traditional ceremonies because we believe that no meaningful development can take place in any nation without taking cultural factors into account,” said President Banda.
“Large economies such as Japan, Singapore and other Asian countries attained economic growth due to their adherence to the values of hard work, transparency and their belief in unit of purpose which is a cultural value,” he added.
Mr Banda observed that traditional ceremonies also provide an opportunity for children and youths to assimilate customs, values and beliefs and become better citizens.
He explained it was out of this realisation that government through the Ministry of Community Development continues to provide grants to assist organisers of traditional ceremonies countrywide to enable them hold successful events.
And President Banda has said government is taking keen interest to develop Namwala District to better the lives of people through the construction of road infrastructure, schools, and health centers among other developmental programmes.
He disclosed that government has prioritised the heavy grading of some of the major feeder roads in the District such as Ngabo-Ichila, Namwala-Ngoma and Mapanza-Moboola roads.
On Water supply projects, Mr Banda said government through its cooperating partners (the Danish Government) has finished the rehabilitation of Makaba Dam at a total cost of K32 Million to support livestock farming and irrigation projects.
Meanwhile, President Banda has urged people in the district to apply for loans under the Citizens Economic Empowerment funds and engage in business ventures to generate income.
He also took the occasion to warn government officers responsible in handling public funds to use them for the intended purposes to benefit the masses.
And Chief Mungaila said his area had a number of problems including poor state of some feeder roads, shortage of health personnel and lack of drugs for their domestic animals among others.
He also called on government to consider setting up a police post to curb crime which he said was on the upswing in the area.
He thanked government for grading Maala-Namusonde road and urged government to grade other feeder roads in his area to make them passable even during the rain season.
Among those who attended this year’s Shimunenga ceremony include Southern Province Minister Daniel Munkombwe, Area UPND Member Of Parliament Major Robbie Chizyuka, Chief - Elect Mukobela and several headmen from various parts of the district.
ZANIS/FM/MB/ENDS.