Come out of tribal cocoon, PF tells UPND

THE Patriotic Front (PF) says the United Party for National Development (UPND) should come out of its “tribal cocoon” and realise that no region can on its own form government.
PF member of the media team Brian Hapunda said yesterday that the ruling party is saddened by sentiments by Mazabuka Central Member of Parliament Garry Nkombo that the people of Southern Province are resolved on changing government in next year’s general elections.
Mr Hapunda said the statement must not be tolerated, as it could drive the Tonga people into tribal politics.
During debate in Parliament on the estimates of revenue and expenditure for Southern Province on Tuesday, Mr Nkombo said the people of Southern Province are resolved on changing government in next year’s general elections.
But Minister of Local Government and Housing Stephen Kampyongo, who challenged Mr Nkombo on a point of order, said that Zambia is bigger than any one province which may think it can change or form government alone.
Mr Hapunda agrees and says: “Tribal statements must not be tolerated as they have the potential of dividing the nation. There is no single one province that can usher in a president or government in this country.”
“The UPND should move away from the tribal cocoon and spread to all parts of the country,” Mr Hapunda said.
He said the PF has taken a lot of development to Southern Province since its ascendancy to power.
“Since the gazzetting of the Bottom Road in 1964, we have not seen the tarring of the road but the PF has done it. And the PF government has also spearheaded the tarring of the Nicko Road,” Mr Hapunda said.
He said the construction of the roads in the area have enabled quicker transportation of agricultural produce to the markets.
“Moreover, the Gwembe District Hospital is also under construction and nearing completion,” Mr Hapunda said.

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