Open Letter to His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia
16th September 2024.
Subject: Gratitude and Commitment from Kanchibiya to Work Towards National Development
Your Excellency,
I write to you as the Member of Parliament for Kanchibiya Constituency, a humble servant of the people, and a fellow Zambian who shares in the vision of building a nation that empowers every citizen. While I am from the Opposition Patriotic Front (PF), today, I set aside political affiliation to express my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for the olive branch you have extended to all Members of Parliament in your recent address. Kanchibiya is ready to work even harder, in full partnership, to deliver on the aspirations of our people.
Your Excellency, on behalf of the people of Kanchibiya, I would also like to extend my sincerest thanks for fulfilling your pledge to construct the Aluni and Kaonda Acrow Bridges. The completion of Aluni Acrow Bridge has brought tremendous relief and opened new opportunities for our communities. With work now commencing on a 20km stretch to connect the Luchembe-Kopa road with Chalabesa to Kopa Road via Chiboo and Mulonga, we are confident that this will further enhance mobility and accessibility for our people.
As we look ahead, we are equally excited about plans to work on the road to Mwansabamba and its connection to Lumbatwa. Additionally, we remain committed to seeing the completion of the Zampalm to Nchubula Road, a key project for the development of our constituency.
However, Your Excellency, may I humbly take this opportunity to plead once again for the construction of the 77km Chambeshi to Chinkobo gravel Road. The complex terrain makes it difficult to handle using the CDF-procured equipment at our disposal. This project remains a top priority, and if granted this gift in 2025, it will transform the lives of the people in Kanchibiya and beyond.
Your Excellency, our people are in dire need of a District Hospital for Kanchibiya. Currently, many of our residents are subjected to traveling long distances—sometimes over 200 kilometers—to Michael Chilufya Sata Hospital in Mpika to access basic medical services. This places undue strain on families and communities, and a District Hospital would greatly alleviate this burden, ensuring that healthcare is more accessible and effective for the people of Kanchibiya.
Beyond the roads, bridges and District Hospital, there are still other critical infrastructure projects that are essential for the growth of our constituency. We respectfully request your assistance with the completion of major outstanding bridges such as Lulingila and Kanchibiya in Kopa, as well as the Lwitikila Bridge in the Cheweshimfwamba/Chibwa area. Our CDF envelope will not allow us to attend to these major works. We also look forward to the push for electricity and the establishment of a mini-hospital in Kabinga.
Additionally, Kanchibiya needs a fully-fledged integrated bus station and modern market at Kasongo Turn Off. This will not only enhance trade and transport but also contribute to the socio-economic growth of the entire district.
The people of Kanchibiya share in your vision to decentralize and empower local communities. We understand that decentralization is a powerful tool to allow the people to be the masters of their own destiny. In that spirit, we stand committed, ready to work with your government in delivering development to our people. The people of Kanchibiya elected me to serve them, and we agree with your call that this is a time for work, not politics.
Your Excellency, Kanchibiya is ready. Ready to collaborate, ready to develop, and ready to ensure that the future we build together is brighter and more prosperous for all Zambians.
Thank you once again for your leadership and commitment to our nation. We look forward to continuing this important journey, knowing that together, we can achieve great things for the people of Kanchibiya and Zambia as a whole.
Yours sincerely,
Hon. Sunday Chilufya Chanda
Member of Parliament,
Kanchibiya Constituency
