MUNALI aspiring Member of Parliament Chrispin Chiinda says youths are a back bone of development in Munali, saying “we cannot leave the youths behind in our plans to preside over Munali when we take over in 2026”.
Chiinda says instead of arresting junkies who are later on released back to the community, there is need to put in place programs that will keep the young people busy and away from abusing drugs and engaging in other criminal activities.
He says it is for this reason that he has continued introducing various youth initiative programs, among them sports tournaments for both girls and boys in an effort to keep the youth in Munali busy.
Chiinda has over the years sponsored sports competitions for youths including those falling on special days like independence and Christmas holidays.
The tournaments take 3 months preparing for finals in all the wards . During this period, young people are kept busy away from illicit activities.
Chiinda says among the solutions to addressing the increasing number of junkies is listening to them.
He observes that people calling youths junkies never listen to their concerns, adding that instead of condemning them, some of them need counseling services.
While noting different contributing factors to junkies such as lack of employment opportunities as well inadequate recreation facilities for young people, Chiinda believes the issue can easily be addressed by serious investment in skills development in communities.
“We also need to seek help from the facilities like ZNS in engaging and training our youths in skills development through a bit of force since others are very comfortable and wouldn’t want anyone to disturb them in selling drugs”, he said.
Chiinda said his leadership is community based and will engage the community everytime in presiding over affairs of Munali.
He said once elected Munali MP, he will ensure equal opportunities are given everyone despite their status and educational background.
The community leader made the remarks on Millennium TV’s Pulse Nation program on Friday afternoon.
Reports Francis Chipalo
