Government has declared Samfya District in Luapula Province a call centre for wetlands in the country. And traditional leaders in the province have called on the government to develop all wetland areas, alleging that they have been neglected for a long time.
Speaking when Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Dr Elijah Muchima paid a courtesy call on them, Chief Nsamba of Lunga District, who thanked the government for the declaration, said there is urgent need to develop all wetland areas.
Chief Nsamba explained that people living in wetland areas have been leaving the areas and looking for greener pastures elsewhere. He added that in wetland areas, there are only two modes of transportation which are by air or water.
The chief said water is the only cheapest mode of transport, therefore, the government should consider providing a boat for easy movement. And Chief Kasoma said during the late first Republican President, Dr Kenneth Kaunda, there was a boat which people used for transportation.
Chief Kasoma hence advised that if a boat can be provided and other amenities, wetland areas will develop significantly.
Meanwhile, Senior Chief Kalasa Mukosa of Samfya District said people in wetland areas should not be left out of the government’s developmental agenda.
In responding to the chiefs, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources Elijah Muchima assured that government will consider developing wetland areas.
Dr Muchima said it is true that there is a big gap and government will do everything possible to ensure that the wetlands are equally developed. He said the government has a responsibility to take care of its people without segregating anyone.
Dr Muchima said government has demonstrated its commitment to developing the nation using the Constituency Development Fund ((CDF).“ Our President has shown us that he wants to take development everywhere, therefore, I have taken into consideration what our traditional leaders have noted and as a government we shall work on that,” Dr Muchima noted.
And the Minister advised that being declared headquarters of wetlands, Samfya District should be exposed and protected. Dr Muchima said people have always known Lukanga Swamps to be the only wetland and yet Samfya have more.