Chali Mulenga

By Chali Mulenga LIVINGSTONE – Aspiring Livingstone Central Constituency parliamentary candidate Gracious Dilon Mayangwa has commended President Hakainde Hichilema and Government for releasing K17.8 billion in April 2026 towards public service delivery, infrastructure development, social protection programmes and economic recovery. Mr Mayangwa said the Treasury releases demonstrate Government’s commitment to improving the welfare of citizens and strengthening development across the country, including in Livingstone Constituency. He said the allocation of funds to sectors such as road infrastructure, water development, health, education and social protection will have a direct impact on the lives of ordinary residents. “The release of these funds shows Government’s seriousness in addressing developmental challenges and improving service delivery. Constituencies like Livingstone stand to benefit greatly from these investments,” Mr Mayangwa said. He particularly welcomed the release of K1...

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 ...

By Chali Mulenga LIVINGSTONE – Aspiring Livingstone Central Constituency parliamentary candidate Dilon Mayangwa has praised President Hakainde Hichilema for his continued commitment to infrastructure development, saying the policy direction provides a strong foundation for local solutions to emerging urban challenges. Mr Mayangwa said the New Dawn Government has demonstrated political will in addressing national development concerns, but stressed that effective local leadership is now required to translate that vision into tangible results on the ground. “President Hichilema has set a clear development agenda anchored on economic growth and improved service delivery. What is required now is focused and coordinated leadership at constituency level to ensure these programmes deliver for the people,” he said. He said leaders must act as managers and agents of development, ensuring that national policies are effectively implemented to address pressing challenges such as water stress in Liv...

By Chali Mulenga LIVINGSTONE – Aspiring Livingstone Central Constituency parliamentary candidate Dilon Mayangwa has praised President Hakainde Hichilema for creating a stable economic and policy environment, but says there is need for strong local leadership to translate the vision into tangible development outcomes in the tourism capital. Mr Mayangwa said while the New Dawn administration has laid a solid foundation for economic recovery and growth, Livingstone requires “practical managers and agents of development” to unlock its full tourism potential. “President Hichilema has set the tone for economic transformation, but at constituency level we now need effective managers who can implement and deliver results,” he said. Mr Mayangwa expressed concern over what he described as a widening gap between Livingstone’s vast tourism potential and actual economic returns. He noted that the city is endowed with world-class attractions such as the Victoria Falls, the Harry Mwanga Nkumbula Inte...

CHALI MULENGA Livingstone For Abel Chiluti, the journey from a childhood of ridicule to a seat at the decision-making table has been defined by a single, unwavering principle: a person with a disability has the same rights as anyone else. Born with a physical disability on January 12, 1987, in Libuyu township, Mr Chiluti, 38, recalls a childhood marked by mockery from peers and a community that viewed disability as a condition to be pitied rather than one to be understood and accommodated. The second-born in a family of six, he says the challenges extended beyond his personal struggles, placing an emotional and practical burden on his parents, who had to balance providing care for him with raising the rest of the family. “During my childhood, it was not easy because I was being mocked by my colleagues,” Mr Chiluti said in an interview. “At that time, the community looked at disability as a case. So for a person with a disability to interact with able-bodied people, it became something ...

Chali Mulenga  Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism Evans Muhanga says the Livingstone International Culture and Arts Festival (LICAF) is promoting unity and showcasing Zambia’s cultural identity. Speaking as he welcomed Tourism Minister Rodney Sikumba, Mr Muhanga said the festival has attracted participants from all ten provinces and neighbouring Botswana and Zimbabwe. He said the presence of diplomats, including the Botswana Ambassador, reflects the festival’s growing international status. “This festival brings Zambians together to showcase and learn their culture,” he said. “It also shows we are one people despite our diversity.” Mr Muhanga said LICAF now serves as a platform for cultural exchange and regional cooperation. He praised collaboration among Zambia, Botswana and Zimbabwe, saying joint performances highlight shared heritage. He said gastronomy tourism is a key feature, with traditional foods attracting visitors. “You can taste Zambia’s diverse foods during t...

 Tourism Minister Rodney Sikumba has hailed the 2026 Livingstone International Culture and Arts Festival (LICAF) as a key driver of cultural unity, sustainable development and regional integration. Speaking during the official opening of the two-day festival in Livingstone yesterday, Mr Sikumba — who is also Member of Parliament for the tourist capital — described the event as Zambia’s emerging “cultural heartbeat” and an important platform for promoting heritage as an economic asset. The minister apologised for arriving late, attributing the delay to circumstances beyond his control, and joked that “ministers are never late, they are always delayed,” drawing laughter from the audience. Mr Sikumba said LICAF, which dates back to the late 1990s and early 2000s, has grown into one of the country’s flagship cultural tourism events, showcasing music, dance, cuisine and handicrafts from Zambia and other countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC). He said the festival...