Livingstone MP Rodney Sikumba Denies Absenteeism and Vows to Serve Constituents Amid Allegations

Livingstone Member of Parliament and Tourism Minister Rodney Sikumba has come under fire from some quarters on social media, with allegations of absenteeism and personal enrichment during his tenure.

 In response, Mr Sikumba has passionately defended his record, emphasizing his commitment to serving the people of Livingstone.

Addressing the accusations, Mr Sikumba  stated, “I chose to be a servant leader, and that remains my priority. 

We need to draw a clear line between public service and political ambition. As the Member of Parliament for Livingstone and a minister, I will not shy away from delivering to the people just because some individuals are eyeing my position.”

, Mr Sikumba  acknowledging the scrutiny that comes with his dual role, stressed that his work as MP and minister does not exempt him from the challenges faced by ordinary citizens. 

“I am always on the road because whether I am in office or not, I will use the same roads as everyone else. I am committed to improving infrastructure and services in Livingstone.”

One of the key issues, Mr Sikumba  addressed was the management of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). 

He pointed out the political nature of the CDF application process and the need to decentralize it to the ward level for better transparency and accountability. 

“Our people are being charged exorbitant fees by consultants, sometimes up to 10 percent of the funds. This is unacceptable, and we need to track the forms more closely to ensure fairness,” he stated.

 Mr Sikumba also expressed his concerns over the reports of silent protests against his leadership, particularly regarding the Social Cash Transfer program. 

He acknowledged receiving numerous complaints from constituents and stressed the importance of serious engagement to address these issues.

 “We need to identify where we have problems and ensure that we address them with the seriousness they deserve,” he said.

On the matter of casualization, , Mr Sikumba warned against the practice of hiring workers without contracts, emphasizing that the Employment Code is in place to protect workers’ rights. 

“People must know their rights and that the law is there to protect them. No one should be employed without a contract, and we must enforce this to ensure fair treatment for all workers,” he declared.

 Mr Sikumba reaffirmed his dedication to his role as Livingstone’s MP, urging his constituents to engage with him constructively rather than resorting to protests or social media campaigns. 

“I am here to serve, and together, we can achieve the development Livingstone needs,” he assured.

Mr Sikumba said this amidst the growing challenges and criticisms, as he seeks to balance his responsibilities as both an MP and a minister while addressing the concerns of his constituents head-on.

 And Response Network Country Director Mutukwa Matengenya said there is concern from people in Livingstone that their area MP had changed from the time he was voted into office.

He commended Mr Sikumba for calling on the meeting with CSOs. 

https://big.win.com.zm/o/slkhLI?site_id=585&redirect_url=https%3A%2F%2Fchalimulengalivingstone.blogspot.com%2F&r_id=33&lpage=kLOkmh

Water Crisis in Kanyoze Village: A Call for Immediate Action

The residents of Kanyoze Village, under the jurisdiction of Senior Headman Kenneth Kambimbi, are grappling with a severe water crisis that has reached a critical point.

 “The nine sub-villages that make up Kanyoze are suffering due to a chronic shortage of clean drinking water,” said Senior Headman Kambimbi, “which is endangering both human lives and livestock.”

“For years, we have relied on a single borehole, sunk 25 years ago by JICA, which is now struggling to meet the growing demands of the community,” Headman Kambimbi explained. 

“The situation has deteriorated to the point where it takes several hours to draw just 40 liters of water, forcing residents to ration their use.”

 He added, “In Mukabaleya and Muntanga, the only boreholes have run dry, leaving our residents desperate.”

The lack of adequate water resources has forced the people of Kanyoze to share small, overcrowded wells with their animals, Headman Kambimbi pointed out. 

“The dry Nanyati stream, once a lifeline for our community, now hosts bitter disputes as villagers fight for access to the little water that remains,” he said.

 “This scarcity has led to a severe decline in hygiene, with residents bathing only twice a week, and livestock dying from thirst—posing a serious public health threat in the region.”

Despite repeated pleas to local authorities, including their current Councillor, Mr. Obrey Mwanfwa, the villagers have seen no improvement in their situation.

 “I recall better times under our former Councillor, Mr. Elias Siamibila,” Headman Kambimbi stated, “and I now call upon the government to take immediate action.”

“I appeal to the Government, under the leadership of His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema, to come to our aid,” urged Headman Kambimbi. 

“We need boreholes in each of the nine villages to prevent this crisis from becoming a tragedy. Water is life, and we cannot allow our people to suffer any longer.”

“Kanyoze Village, covering 70 square kilometers, has long been neglected in terms of essential services,” Headman Kambimbi asserted. 

“Since 2017, I have been tirelessly advocating for the sinking of boreholes through the Kazungula District Council and our Royal Highness Chief Nyawa, yet these efforts have been in vain, leaving our villagers in a dire state.”

“We are grateful for the government's efforts in upgrading our community school,” 

Headman Kambimbi acknowledged, “but we now plead for a solution to our water crisis. Our lives depend on it.”

As the water crisis continues to escalate, the villagers of Kanyoze, led by Senior Headman Kambimbi, remain hopeful that the government will respond swiftly to their urgent needs, ensuring that they can access the most basic necessity—clean drinking water.

Minister Nzovu Urges Harsh Penalties for Vandalism as Government Secures Funding for Floating Water Intake

 Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, Collins Nzovu, has called for severe punishment for individuals vandalizing water infrastructure, emphasizing the urgent need to protect essential resources. 

Speaking during his visit to Livingstone, Nzovu highlighted the widespread vandalism affecting both the water and energy sectors, underscoring the importance of deterrence through strict penalties.

"Only when punishments are brutal will attitudes change," Nzovu stated, pointing to the rampant vandalism plaguing the energy sector as a critical issue that demands immediate attention.

The Minister also announced that the Zambian government has secured €2 million to procure and install a floating water intake system in response to the decreasing water levels in the Zambezi River. 

This development is part of the government’s broader strategy to ensure a reliable water supply for the residents of Livingstone amidst growing concerns over water scarcity.

"We have heard the concerns of the people, and we are here to assure them of the quality of supply," Nzovu said. 

"Currently, we have a fixed intake system, but with the river levels decreasing, it is becoming increasingly difficult to pump water efficiently, especially at the peak of the dry season."

Nzovu revealed that the government has also obtained an additional €3 million from the German government to support this project, which aims to shift the water intake for Livingstone to the middle of the Zambezi River. 

The new floating intake will be designed to adapt to the fluctuating water levels, making it a climate-smart solution.

"In times when we have sufficient water, we will ensure its availability, but we must address the water scarcity challenges we face. 

We need to secure the water supply, particularly for critical periods," the Minister explained.

He further emphasized the importance of reducing non-revenue water losses and called on the people of Livingstone to use water resources responsibly. 

Nzovu also warned against vandalism, noting that most of the manhole covers have been removed, which poses a significant threat to the water supply system.

"We must take care of the infrastructure. If we don't have quality water supply, we risk outbreaks of cholera, and people could die," Nzovu cautioned. 

"The water levels are extremely low, and we are facing the effects of El Niño. We need to ensure that the projects we have started are completed to secure both water and energy supplies."

The Minister’s visit to Livingstone comes at a critical time when the city is grappling with the impacts of climate change on its water resources.

 The government's swift action and investment in new infrastructure are expected to alleviate some of the challenges posed by the decreasing water levels in the Zambezi River.

Government Praises Climate-Smart Water and Solar Project in Kazungula

The government has expressed satisfaction with the ongoing water and solar energy project in Kazungula, highlighting its potential to transform the local community’s access to clean water and sustainable energy.

Speaking during his recent visit to the project site, Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, Collins Nzovu, lauded the initiative for its innovative approach to water generation, which also includes the integration of solar energy production. 

The plant is set to generate 200 kilowatts of solar power, with 50 kilowatts designated for operational use.

“We are impressed with the climate-smart water generation system that the water company has put in place,” Minister Nzovu stated.

 “This project not only addresses the immediate need for clean water but also contributes to our broader energy goals by incorporating solar energy generation.”

The Minister expressed his satisfaction with the contractor's progress and urged them to maintain close collaboration with the client to ensure the timely completion of the project. 

He reiterated the government's commitment to supporting such initiatives, which align with President Hakainde Hichilema's vision of improving access to clean water for all Zambians.

The Kazungula project, once completed, is expected to significantly improve the quality of life for residents by providing reliable access to clean water, a key component of the government's development agenda.

Minister Nzovu assured the contractor that they would be granted sufficient time to complete the project, emphasizing the importance of delivering a quality outcome that meets the needs of the community.

“This project is a testament to our commitment to innovative, sustainable solutions that benefit our people,” Nzovu added.

 “We look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on Kazungula and beyond.”

The government’s endorsement of the Kazungula project reflects its broader strategy to promote climate-smart initiatives and sustainable development across the country.

MP Clement Andeleki Calls for Expansion of Water Project to Benefit All Wards in Katombola Constituency

Katombola Member of Parliament Clement Andeleki has called for the expansion of a vital water project to cover more areas within the constituency, emphasizing the pressing need for accessible clean water in all wards.

Speaking during a recent tour, Andeleki lauded the ongoing water project in Kazungula, describing it as a “wonderful” initiative that has significantly improved the lives of the local population. 

He noted that the residents of Kazungula now enjoy better access to clean water, which is crucial for their health and well-being.

“The water project in Kazungula is a game-changer for the people here. It has provided clean and safe drinking water, which is essential for the health of our communities,” Andeleki said.

However, Andeleki stressed that other wards within the Katombola Constituency, particularly Mukuni and Nyawa, are still grappling with limited access to clean water. 

He highlighted the importance of extending the water project to these areas to ensure that all residents benefit equally.

“Our people in Mukuni and Nyawa wards are still facing challenges in accessing clean water,” Andeleki stated. 

“We need to expand this project so that every ward in Katombola Constituency can have the same benefits as those in Kazungula.”

The MP’s remarks resonate with the growing concerns among residents in the constituency, who have been advocating for better water infrastructure in their areas.

 The expansion of the water project would be a significant step toward addressing these concerns and improving the overall quality of life for the people in Mukuni, Nyawa, and other wards.

Andeleki also called on the relevant authorities and stakeholders to prioritize the expansion, noting that access to clean water is a basic human right that should be guaranteed to all citizens, regardless of their location.

“Water is a basic human right, and it is our responsibility to ensure that everyone in this constituency has access to it,” Andeleki emphasized.

The expansion of the water project would not only improve health outcomes but also support local development by providing a reliable water supply for agriculture, sanitation, and other essential needs.

As the Katombola Constituency continues to grow and develop, Andeleki’s call for equitable access to clean water underscores the need for sustained investment in essential infrastructure projects.

 The community now looks to the authorities to take swift action and bring much-needed relief to the residents of Mukuni, Nyawa, and other wards.

Livingstone MP Rodney Sikumba Calls for Media Collaboration in Promoting Constituency Development Fund

Livingstone Member of Parliament and Minister of Tourism, Rodney Sikumba, has called on the media to play an active role in promoting the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), emphasizing its importance as a tool for community development. 

Speaking at a recent meeting with members of the media and the newly established CDF committee, Sikumba stressed the need for accurate and timely dissemination of information to ensure the public is well-informed about the opportunities available through the CDF.

"The media is cardinal in spreading information about the CDF," Sikumba said.

 "It is the most effective way for the public to access this fund, and we need to see how we can collaborate more closely to inform our citizens."

The United Party for National Development (UPND) government, which took office on August 24, has made significant strides in delivering CDF to the people, despite facing challenges in implementing development initiatives. 

Sikumba highlighted that the CDF guidelines are being refined to improve the system and ensure that the benefits reach those who need them most, especially as the country heads towards the 2024 elections.

"We want to ensure that the people at the polling stations in the Livingstone constituency get the benefits of the CDF," he stated. 

"The media has a crucial role in communicating this to the public. We are allocating funds specifically for media engagement and branding to create top-of-mind awareness about the CDF."

Sikumba also addressed concerns about the politicization of the CDF, reiterating that the fund is apolitical and should be accessible to all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations. 

He emphasized the need for media outlets to present balanced stories that reflect the positive impact of the CDF while acknowledging its challenges.

"Every citizen with a green National Registration Card (NRC) is entitled to access the CDF," Sikumba said. 

"We don't want to see any form of segregation or marginalization. The media should help ensure that the true purpose of the CDF is communicated effectively."

In response to questions about his involvement in the procurement process, Sikumba clarified that he does not sit on the procurement committee and has no role in the electronic procurement system currently being implemented.

"I wonder why my name should be dragged into it," he remarked. 

"My focus is on ensuring that the CDF is used for the benefit of the people, and I urge the media to carry positive articles that highlight the fund's impact."

Sikumba concluded by encouraging continuous media coverage of CDF-related issues, expressing his hope that such collaboration would lead to better-informed citizens and more effective use of the fund in driving development across the Livingstone constituency.

Livingstone City Council Unveils Cash for Work Programme

The Livingstone City Council has announced the allocation of a substantial towards the Cash for Work (CFW) programme, an initiative designed to create jobs, enhance community development, and improve public infrastructure in Livingstone.

Speaking on the financial management and implementation of the CFW program, Kalumbu Mumbi, the Socio-economic Planner at the Livingstone City Council, emphasized the importance of the initiative for the local community.

“This K2 billion investment in the Cash for Work programme is a significant step towards addressing unemployment and fostering community development,” Mumbi said.

 “Out of this budget, K1.8 billion will be directly allocated to payments for CFW beneficiaries.

 This will provide much-needed financial support to our community members while creating jobs.”

Mumbi further explained the breakdown of the budget, noting that “K150,000 has been set aside for administrative costs. 

This includes everything from community mobilization and monitoring to the procurement of necessary tools and personal protective equipment. 

We want to ensure that every kwacha is used effectively to benefit our people.”

Highlighting the inclusive nature of the program, Mumbi stated, 

“We are committed to ensuring equal opportunities for both men and women in this program. People living with disabilities will also be considered for tasks that they can perform. 

We are particularly mindful of the workloads of women, disadvantaged individuals, and overburdened households. Our goal is to promote fairness in task allocation and work norms.”

Mumbi elaborated on the criteria for selecting beneficiaries, saying, 

“We will focus on individuals who are not in formal employment, residing within the district, and not currently receiving benefits from other social welfare programs. 

Priority will be given to those in areas with high poverty levels, both in urban and rural settings.”

Regarding the scope of work under the CFW program, Mumbi explained, 

“The projects will include a range of activities such as road maintenance, garbage collection, and the construction of community infrastructure. 

These efforts are designed not only to meet local needs but also to provide meaningful employment opportunities.”

Mumbi assured the public of the programme's effective management: 

“Local Authorities at the ward level will oversee the implementation of the CFW programme. 

We will work closely with engineers and the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit to ensure that all work is up to standard and that payments to beneficiaries are fair and timely.”

On the issue of payments, Mumbi said, “Each beneficiary will receive K600.00 for ten days of work each month. Payments will be made through banks and mobile platforms to ensure ease of access. 

We are also putting strict accountability measures in place, with monthly expenditure reports to ensure that funds are used for their intended purposes.”

Mumbi emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating, “Religious leaders and community members will play a critical role in the sensitization, monitoring, and evaluation of the programme.

 Their involvement is key to ensuring that the CFW initiative is implemented transparently and effectively.”

Concluding, Mumbi reaffirmed the council’s commitment to the programme:

 “The Livingstone City Council is dedicated to managing the CFW program with the utmost transparency and efficiency. 

We are confident that this initiative will uplift our community through meaningful employment and infrastructure development.”