President Hichilema Outlines Expanded Social Protection, Infrastructure Works in Central Province

President Hakainde Hichilema says Government’s decision to progressively raise the Social Cash Transfer from K180 to K1,000 is intended to improve the welfare of vulnerable citizens and cushion households against economic hardships.

Speaking during community engagements in Central Province, The President said the expansion of social safety nets, alongside the Cash for Work initiative, is aimed at reducing poverty and strengthening social security.

Addressing residents in Ngabwe District, President Hichilema said the Kabwe–Ngabwe Road will be upgraded from gravel to bituminous standard to accelerate growth in the area. He said mobile network challenges will be resolved through installation of communication towers, while the district will be connected to the national electricity grid. He added that a district hospital will be constructed in Ngabwe, with a similar facility planned for Luano District in the UPND administration’s second term.

In Kapiri Mposhi District, President Hichilema directed the immediate recruitment of volunteer nurses who attended a community meeting at Mpunde Day Secondary School sports ground. He said Government will rehabilitate feeder roads to ease transportation of farm produce to Food Reserve Agency (FRA) depots. He added that additional FRA depots will be opened in other districts to improve farmers’ access to inputs and services.

President Hichilema said Government will upgrade key transit routes connecting Luano District to the rest of the province, including the Mkushi–Masaiti and Kabwe–Mkushi roads, complete with modern bridges. He said the UPND administration will facilitate the opening of more mines while empowering local communities to participate in legal mining activities.

“To build on these gains, Government will construct more secondary schools and expand Mkushi Boarding Secondary School,” President Hichilema said.

He urged citizens to safeguard peace, reject political violence, and maintain support for the UPND in the August 13 General Election to ensure continuation of development projects.