Marythar Kambinda
KATIMA MULILO – New Katima Mulilo councillor Simasiku Mukendwa was greeted with a massive no-show as the rest of the councillors did not show up at his swearing-in ceremony yesterday.
Mukendwa represents the National Democratic Party (NDP), and was replacing Watson Kalaluka, who had been representing the NDP since 2020 until the party leaders recalled him from his position, citing multiple charges of misconduct.
The newly-elected councillor stated that he was disappointed to be welcomed under such circumstances.
“I was expecting to be received by councillors of the local authority. But to my surprise, they are distancing themselves from me. This shows me that I should be determined to fight corruption,” he stressed.
Mukendwa said his inclusion as a councillor doesn’t mean that he will single-handedly bring about changes to the town council, but through teamwork, irrespective of party colours.
“It is our duty as councillors to answer to and cater for the needs of those who elected us,” he noted.
Mukendwa further called on fellow councillors and the working community of the town council to exercise transparency at all times, and to ensure the equitable execution of council services in a non-biased and non-corrupt way to meet the needs of residents.
“Let us create business opportunities for the town in order to create job opportunities and advance our town,” he urged.
NDP president Martin Lukato said the delay in the swearing-in of Mukendwa affected the party, as there was no service delivery for the communities that needed to be served.
“The NDP is a party of the people, and Mukendwa is going to deliver,” he observed.
Zambezi governor Lawrence Sampofu said the councillors should work together to ensure service delivery to the community of Katima Mulilo by listening to their needs.
“There is unemployment and poverty within the communities. Therefore, let us plan how to get our people employed. Let us also work together with our security cluster to eliminate crime, and most of all, let us maintain unity as this is the best weapon against underdevelopment, tribalism and corruption,” the governor stated.
Mukendwa was sworn in by magistrate Davy Kambinda.
* Marythar Kambinda is an information officer at the MICT Zambezi regional office.