40 ditch UPND for PF in Solwezi

FORTY members of the United Party for National Development (UPND) in Solwezi have joined the Patriotic Front. Notable among them is Solwezi district youth trustee Fickson Mwanaute, Solwezi constituency trustee Kenneth Kayebeta and Kamalamba ward treasurer Erick Katunansa.

The defectors were received by Solwezi district PF chairman Adamson Sakatengo over the weekend.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Mr Kayebeta, who had been UPND member for more than 10 years, said he regretted his stay in the opposition party describing it as a sheer waste of time.

He said together with his fellow defectors, they could not continue with the opposition political party because it had no future.

"We have decided to ditch our former party today because we have found it incumbent that we should align ourselves with the party in power. The PF has done a lot in the country including Solwezi," he said.

And receiving the defectors, Mr Sakatengo said they had taken a correct decision because every individual had a right to join a party of their choice.

He said the PF was delivering its promises to the people and would continue to ensure that the livelihood of the poor Zambians were improved.

He said it was shameful that some opposition leaders were politicising Government development projects meant to benefit all citizens.

"The fruits of the PF are everywhere to see, we have taken development to all parts of the country including Solwezi and that is why you should not listen to the opposition parties," he said.

He praised the defectors and described their decision as courageous, adding that there was nothing better than supporting a party in power.