By Chali Mulenga
Residents of Livingstone Central Constituency have intensified calls for accelerated development and improved community engagement, with many expressing support for aspiring parliamentary candidate Gracious Dilon Mayangwa ahead of the 2026 general election.
The residents, drawn from the transport sector, markets and surrounding communities, said Livingstone continues to face challenges ranging from deteriorating roads and youth unemployment to limited business opportunities and inadequate community empowerment programmes.
Speaking in separate interviews, the residents said they are looking for leadership that will maintain close interaction with communities and push for practical solutions to local challenges.
Spa Bus Station vice-chairperson and taxi driver Mike Maseka said poor road infrastructure remains one of the major concerns affecting motorists and businesses in the tourist capital.
Mr Maseka said damaged roads are increasing vehicle maintenance costs for taxi operators and negatively affecting daily business activities.
“The roads need serious attention because they are affecting our operations as drivers and business people. Good roads are important for a tourism city like Livingstone,” he said.
He said Mr Mayangwa has in recent weeks engaged various groups in the constituency and demonstrated willingness to listen to concerns raised by residents.
“From the interactions we have had with him, he appears interested in understanding the challenges people are facing and discussing possible solutions,” Mr Maseka said.
Another resident, Mercy Phiri, said many people in the constituency want development programmes that directly benefit ordinary citizens, especially youths and women.
Ms Phiri said unemployment remains a major challenge in Livingstone, with many young people struggling to access meaningful opportunities.
“Youths need empowerment, jobs and support for small businesses. Communities want leaders who will prioritise these issues,” she said.
She added that residents are also seeking stronger engagement between elected leaders and communities to ensure that local concerns are consistently addressed.
Town Centre Market vice-chairperson Moria Phiri said marketeers are still facing economic hardships following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in trading spaces.
Ms Phiri said many small-scale traders have struggled to recover financially and require support through empowerment initiatives and improved market infrastructure.
“Traders are trying to rebuild their businesses after difficult years. Many people need support to grow their businesses and improve their livelihoods,” she said.
She called for increased utilisation of empowerment programmes, including the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), to benefit marketeers, women and youth-led enterprises.
Hairdresser Miyanda Sumujaye said many young people in Livingstone are eager to participate in entrepreneurship but face difficulties accessing capital and mentorship opportunities.
“Youths are hardworking, but they need opportunities, training and support to start businesses and sustain themselves,” she said.
Ms Sumujaye added that infrastructure development, particularly road rehabilitation and reliable water supply, should be prioritised because such services directly affect businesses and households.
Another resident, Mary Makai, praised President Hakainde Hichilema for introducing free education and expanding the school feeding programme, saying the initiatives have reduced pressure on vulnerable households.
“Free education has helped many families, especially single mothers and vulnerable households who struggled with school fees,” she said.
Ms Makai, however, said residents also want constituency-level leadership that will ensure communities fully benefit from national development programmes.
Spa station vice chairman Gerald Masiye said many residents want leaders who are accessible and actively engaged with people on the ground.
“People appreciate leaders who interact with the community regularly and understand the daily challenges residents are facing,” he said.
Mr Masiye noted that Livingstone, as Zambia’s tourism capital, requires focused leadership capable of addressing infrastructure gaps while supporting economic growth.
Konica Taxi Rank chairperson Felix Mutanuka also expressed concern over the condition of roads in the city, saying drivers are spending huge amounts on vehicle repairs.
“Poor roads increase operational costs for drivers and affect transport services. Infrastructure development should remain a priority,” he said.
Mr Mutanuka further called for consistent community engagement from aspiring leaders to ensure development programmes respond to the needs of residents.
Meanwhile, Mr Mayangwa has pledged to focus on youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, infrastructure development and improved service delivery if elected into office.
Mr Mayangwa said his vision is to ensure that communities in Livingstone are not left behind in national development efforts.
“We want communities that are empowered, youths who have opportunities and development that reaches ordinary people,” he said.
He added that Livingstone has the potential to achieve significant economic growth if local challenges are addressed through coordinated planning and active community participation.
