In Southern province, Lungu says he has developed the region

President Lungu

President Edgar Lungu has told the people of Southern province that he has developed the province though he did not get support in the presidential by-election from there.

He said he has not been selective in developing the country.

President Lungu who visited Monze and Mazabuka started by commissioning an $80 Million Sugar Refinery plant at Nakambala Sugar Estate.

The President who is the ruling party – PF presidential candidate is in Southern province for a two days campaigns and work.

ZNBC reports that President Lungu also urged Zambians not to experiment with leadership as the country goes to the polls on August 11.

The President says unlike opposition leaders, he has demonstrated that he can be trusted.

President Lungu has explained that voting for PF entails endorsing unity and development.

The President says he is happy to preside over a party founded on principles of helping the vulnerable in society.

President Lungu said this during at a rally at Katombora grounds in Mazabuka where he was drumming up support for PF candidates.

He said the PF has done well in the short period that it has been in power.

President Lungu said despite the people of Mazabuka not having given PF enough votes in last year’s elections, he has not been selective in developing the area.

He also said people should not listen to those mocking his government that people will not eat roads because a good road network is a catalyst to development.

And the President has cautioned against political violence ahead of the August 11 polls.

Meanwhile, President Lungu says he is concerned that Southern Province has recorded the highest cases of political violence in the country.

The President is worried that some cases of political violence have resulted in loss of lives.

President Lungu notes with concern that Southern Province is followed by Lusaka province in cases of political violence.

Speaking when he met Chief Naluwama, Chief Hanjalika and Chief Mwanachingwala in Mazabuka, President Lungu urged the traditional leaders to talk to political parties against violence.

President Lungu said there is no need to shed blood in order for a person to win elections.

The President said the traditional leaders can also help educate the electorate on why they should support certain political parties.

President Lungu said he will not get tired of reminding traditional leaders of their role in maintaining peace.

He said Zambians must endeavour to maintain peace for which the country is globally renowned for.

In another development, President Lungu said it is government’s duty to take care of traditional leaders.

He said he had received reports of ailing chiefs, and he would ensure that they receive the best treatment.

And speaking on behalf of the other traditional leaders, Chief Naluwama of the Tonga speaking people of Mazabuka district thanked President Lungu for the development program that he is rolling out countrywide.

He said the chiefs were happy that Southern Province has not been left out of government’s development programmes.

Chief Naluwama told the President to feel at home in Southern Province.

The president is accompanied by Minister of Defence Richwell Siamunene, Minister of Commerce Margaret Mwanakatwe, Southern Province Minister Nathaniel Mubukwanu and PF deputy Secretary General Mumbi Phiri.