By George Sanzila
KATIMA MULILO – Thousands of revellers thronged the Katima Mulilo open market on New Year’s eve in order to welcome 2015 in style.
The New Year bash, which has been on the Katima Mulilo town council calendar since 2012, attracted both the young and old as they rejoiced at the prospects of entering a new year.
The CBD area was overwhelmed with hundreds of vehicles congesting the parking areas and streets prompting the traffic police to control the flow of cars.
The area was so cramped it forced other revellers to climb on top of vehicles and other platforms in order to witness the entertainments. Zambezi regional governor Lawrence Sampofu, who too witnessed the countdown, was equally ecstatic and called for continued unity in the New Year.
“We have to continue to be united in order to realise development. Let’s have a renewed determination in 2015,” scream the governor to the crowd amid much euphoria.
Various artists entertained the jubilant crowd and, as the time ticked to midnight, the countdown begun with Sampofu and other regional leaders gracing the stage with champagne bottles to toast to the New Year.
Revellers went wild with loud music as the fireworks were set off, ushering in 2015. Artists included PDK, Spinny and the Green Kids, DJ Siya and Zambian artists Orga Family gave the crowd a teaser as they were scheduled to perform at a local night club on the same night.
Also present were Katima mayor Charles Matengu, his deputy Georgina Mwiya Simataa, Katima Rural Constituency Councillor Warden Simushi, Linyanti Constituency Councillor Cletius Sipapela and former Zambezi governor Leonard Mwilima.