Zambezi DC calls for end to tribal differences

A SENIOR government official in Zambezi has called on the people in the district to put their tribal differences aside and work together to foster development.

Newly appointed Zambezi District Commissioner Simeon Machayi said in an interview that to attract investments which will accelerate job and wealth creation, especially among women and the youths, there is need for unity of purpose among the people in the district.

Mr Machayi said people should denounce tribalism which has retarded development in the district for many years.

"I am saying this because the desire of President Hakainde Hichilema is to see peace, unity and coexistence among the people in the district to continue prevailing so that development can be accelerated," said Mr Machayi.

He stated that the tribal conflicts have stayed for too long and that no one has benefited from it hence the need to denounce it in the strongest terms.

He said a number of development projects have failed to be implemented in the district because of the continued tribal conflicts.

"So for me as District Commissioner, I feel it’s high time we made our people in the district to understand that we are one and we also need to make them understand that no one is going to benefit from tribalism," he said.

Mr Machayi has appealed to people especially traditional leaders to help unite people and work together for the betterment of the district.

"And I wish to pledge that I will work with all the people in the district regardless of tribe or political affiliations in my quest to spearhead development in the area," he said.

The district has been engulfed in historical tribal fight between Luvale's of Senior Chief Ndungu and Lunda's of Senior Chief Ishindi mainly over the central business district area.

“So for me as District Commissioner, I feel it’s high time we made our people in the district to understand that we are one and we also need to make them understand that no one is going to benefit from tribalism,”