Lusaka dwellers challenge new MPs

By Ann Zulu

LUSAKA residents have challenged the newly elected Members of Parliament and ward councillors to get down to serious business and start addressing challenges that people are facing.

In random interviews conducted in the city, the residents told this reporter that the election of MPs and councillors into office should usher in a new dispensation of renewed commitment to embark on concrete developmental programmes.

They said they were tired of leaders who, after being elected into office, disappear only to resurface after five years begging for votes.

“Elections are over now and our legislators should get down to business. I come from Munali constituency and my wish is to see all our leaders delivering on the promises they made during campaigns. There should be no excuse for failure,” said Mr Goodson Mbewe.

A woman who identified herself as Amake Lulu from Kanyama constituency said parliamentarians and councillors in the city should fiercely fight for the promotion of industries to create jobs for the youth.

“Unemployment levels still remain high in Lusaka, which is so painful. Our children are jobless and as I speak my son completed his Grade 12 five years ago and he’s just home doing nothing. This time around we want our leaders to bring change and make sure that employment opportunities are created for our children,” she said.

A youthful Kelvin Chewe concurred, saying MPs and councillors should come up with programmes that would empower youths.

“As youths we want jobs. We have skills and project plans but lack of capital is the major stumbling block. Our MPs and councillors should lobby Government to avail money to fund youth projects. The youths are forced to engage in criminal activities because they have nothing to do,” he said.

Mr. Mumba Mwaba of Chawama said the newly elected MPs and councillors should come up with programmes that will address the many challenges facing the people such as accommodation.

“Shortage of accommodation has created a lot of congestion in this city. In Chawama, for instance, our children no longer have any space to play; our MPs should address such challenges,” Mr. Mwaba said.