President Hichilema Urges Clergy in Mufulira to Partner in Delivering Development

President Hakainde Hichilema has called on the clergy in Mufulira district to play a frontline role in ensuring that government reforms reach every household. He said churches should actively monitor communities to identify children not attending school and engage parents to take advantage of free education, which he described as the “best equalizer.”

The Head of State encouraged churches to access Constituency Development Fund (CDF) resources to address challenges such as water shortages, noting that churches are recognised organisations capable of running schools and clinics. “CDF should be accessed by churches to address issues like lack of water. Churches don’t have to form cooperatives; they are organisations,” he said.

President Hichilema assured the clergy that his administration is working methodically to deliver development, citing reduced load-shedding, ongoing township road works, and improvements in water reticulation as evidence of progress. He emphasised that citizens’ trust and confidence in his leadership would not be betrayed.

Chairperson of the Mufulira Christian Fellowship, Apostle Simon Mwashoma commended President Hichilema for the government reforms that have renewed hope and strengthened families. Apostle Mwashoma said the free education policy has transformed communities, while the school feeding programme has helped retain children in class and improved concentration. He further acknowledged the recruitment of health workers and teachers, the increased availability of medicines in hospitals, and the revitalisation of mines such as Mopani, alongside new investments like the Mingomba project, which he said demonstrate investor confidence and economic predictability.

Apostle Mwashoma also praised government support to vulnerable citizens through social cash transfers and cash-for-work initiatives, as well as the increased Constituency Development Fund (CDF) which is bringing development to every corner of the nation. He highlighted the promotion of democracy, the fight against corruption, and the end of cadreism as milestones that have restored confidence in governance.

However, he raised pressing community needs, including the improvement of township and major roads such as the long-neglected Mufulira–Mukambo road and the Mufulira–Ndola Road, where progress has only been visible on the Ndola side. He appealed for intervention in the supply of clean and safe water, noting that many communities face health hazards due to lack of access. The fellowship also requested for land allocations to pastors, and a shuttle bus to support pastoral logistics.

Apostle Mwashoma assured the President of continued spiritual support, saying the church is called to pray for leaders in authority. “We are praying for you. You deserve a second mandate. May God grant you wisdom and strength to govern the people of Zambia,” he said.