Stakeholders in Kasama District in Northern Province have expressed optimism that the official opening of parliament by President Hakainde Hichilema today will give key policy direction to the country. Speaking in separate interviews, the stakeholders say they are eager to hear…

Stakeholders in Kasama District in Northern Province have expressed optimism that the official opening of parliament by President Hakainde  Hichilema today will give key policy direction to the country.

Speaking in separate interviews, the stakeholders say they are eager to hear how the government intends to advance the implementation of the Grow Zambia Agenda and accelerate national development.

Kasama District Civil Society Organisation Hub Chairperson, Peter Mumba said the President’s address presents an opportunity for the government to update citizens on progress being made and outline key priorities for the coming year.

“We expect to hear more on the economic development of the country and the plans the government has put in place under the Grow Zambia Agenda to improve the lives of citizens,” Mr Mumba said.

He noted that citizens are particularly interested in measures aimed at easing the cost of living through interventions in sectors such as energy and transport.

On energy, Mr Mumba said stakeholders are keen to hear the government’s plans for strengthening the sector and addressing the challenges associated with electricity tariffs.

He further called for increased support towards artisanal and small-scale mining, describing the sector as a potential source of employment and empowerment for young people.

And on agriculture, he urged the government to consider increasing the number of beneficiaries under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP).

“We are looking at how the government will increase the number of FISP beneficiaries so that we can achieve the objectives of the Grow Zambia Agenda,” he said.

And an educationist George Mumbi said the government has recorded notable progress in stabilising the economy and expressed hope that the gains will be consolidated.

“As regards to the stabilisation of the economy, a lot has been achieved by the government and we would like to see those gains sustained,” Mr Mumbi said.

He, however, called for enhanced efforts to restore order in the mining sector, particularly in addressing illegal mining activities.

Mr Mumbi has since appealed for greater accountability in youth empowerment programmes funded through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

“We would like to see the enforcement of loan repayments under youth empowerment programmes so that more young people can benefit from these initiatives,” he said.

He further described the Grow Zambia Agenda as a positive development framework capable of transforming lives if fully implemented.

“The Grow Zambia Agenda is a welcome move and we want to see it actualised for the benefit of all citizens,” Mr Mumbi said.

He further called for the continued preservation of peace, saying Zambia’s stable environment remains critical to national development.

Meanwhile, Victory Bible Church Pastor Chati Kasengele urged Zambians to unite behind national development efforts and support the country’s growth agenda.

“The election season is over and people have to move on. We are now under the auspices of the Grow Zambia Agenda, which is very significant for the country,” Pastor Kasengele said.

He said achieving the aspirations of the agenda will require collective efforts from the government, the private sector, the church and citizens.

“The President has already highlighted the direction the country needs to take. What is important is for all of us to support the vision and work together to achieve it,” he said.

President Hakainde Hichilema is expected to officially open the First Session of the Fourteenth National Assembly today.