President Edgar Lungu says idle Members of Parliament (MPs) are depriving the electorate the much-needed development. The President has also urged Zambians to put pressure on their MPs so that they can develop their constituencies. “You [citizens] should keep reminding us about what we promise you. Members of Parliament should also keep pushing, aikona ukuzinkimana (not just being idle). You will not be receiving such development,” Mr Lungu said.

He was speaking during the handover of 55 houses built for police officers in Luanshya. The President Lungu said Government wants to restore dignity and pride in the civil service by providing decent accommodation. Mr Lungu said Government will do this by building 2,000 houses for officers in the Ministry of Home Affairs.

“The last time houses for police were built was in 1973. We have to restore dignity and pride of police officers. It is not only the police but everyone under the Ministry of Home Affairs,” he said. The President handed over 25 houses for police officers in Levy Chito Police Camp and 30 houses in Mpatamatu Police Camp.

Last week, President Lungu commissioned 91 houses in Kamfinsa Police Camp in Kitwe. Government has built hundreds of houses for security personnel across the country. Minister of Home Affairs Stephen Kampyongo said President Lungu’s commitment to building houses for police officers is a true reflection of a Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. “Any commander ensures that his people are well looked after,” Mr Kampyongo said. Luanshya Central Member of Parliament Steven Chungu commended the Head of State for handing over the new houses to police officers in Levy Chito Police Camp.

Mr Chungu said the last time houses were built in the camp was before the country’s independence. Luanshya Mayor Nathan Chanda thanked the President for the initiative of building houses for police officers in the mining town. President Lungu later visited Roan and Mpatamatu markets where he interacted with traders. The President also commissioned Kawama Clinic which has been built at over K2 million by the Copperbelt Development Foundation Limited.