Story By Kanchele Junior
Bweengwa Constituency, Monze District –A significant milestone was celebrated today with the handover of phase one of Chief Hamusonde’s Palace in Bweengwa Constituency, symbolizing the government’s commitment to enhancing the living conditions of traditional leaders and fostering community development.
The handover ceremony was attended by prominent figures including the Provincial Permanent Secretary for Southern Province, Dr Namani Monze, the District Commissioner, Mr. Mwanza Malambo, Council Chairperson Mr. Powell Mutenguna, The Council Secretary Mr. Beston Kajoba, Chief Chikanta, Chief Monze, Chief Chikuni and various traditional and local leaders.
In a speech read on his behalf by Dr. Monze, Southern Province Minister Hon. Credo Najuwa emphasized the importance of the Palace as more than just a building but that it serves as a monument to the strength, unity, and cultural heritage of the community.
Hon. Najuwa acknowledged the dedication of the Monze Town Council, praising their relentless commitment to development in Bweengwa Constituency and Monze District.
He recognized the contractors’ contributions, highlighting how their expertise transformed the vision of the palace into reality, while also empowering local community through various job opportunities.
Hon. Najuwa urged the community to actively engage with the Traditional Leader at the new Palace, using it as a platform for dialogue and collaboration for local development.
He also emphasized the ongoing commitment to sustainable development, referencing various initiatives aimed at improving education, infrastructure, and agricultural practices within the province.
And Speaking at the same event Monze District Commissioner Mwanza Malambo expressed pride in the progress made in Monze District.
He noted the various road construction projects and agricultural initiatives that are set to benefit local farmers.
Mr. Malambo highlighted the government’s efforts to provide support to vulnerable populations through cash transfer programs and other community support initiatives.
And Council Chairperson Powell Mutenguna echoed the sentiments by the DC, emphasizing the significance of the Palace as a reflection of the community’s values and traditions.
He commended the New Dawn Government’s deliberate actions to improve the welfare of traditional leaders, underscoring the importance of infrastructure investment in fostering development.
Meanwhile Chief Hamusonde of the Tonga Lundwe speaking people has made a resounding pledge to support the Zambian government’s efforts in combating child marriage and gender-based violence within his chiefdom.
Speaking when he received the commissioned phase one of his newly constructed palace in Bweengwa, the Chief emphasized the importance of education for all children, particularly girls, to ensure they have the opportunity to learn and grow.
In a passionate address, Chief Hamusonde highlighted the critical role education plays in empowering young girls and providing them with a brighter future.
“With the government now offering free education, it is our duty to ensure that every child in our chiefdom, especially girls, has access to quality schooling,” he stated.
His Royal Highness’s commitment comes at a crucial time when many communities are still grappling with the challenges posed by child marriages and gender-based violence.
Furthermore, Chief Hamusonde addressed rumors regarding a boundary dispute with Chief Choongo, labeling them as unfounded.
He urged the media to uphold journalistic integrity by reporting facts rather than sensationalizing stories that could harm community relations.
“We should focus on development and work together for the betterment of our people,” he urged, reflecting the spirit of collaboration that both traditional leaders seek to foster.

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Monze District, Zambia – In a significant step towards alleviating hunger among the poorest communities, District Commissioner Mwanza Malambo officially launched the Cash for Work (CFW) program on Wednesday at Malundu Secondary School.
The initiative aims to provide financial support to vulnerable households while promoting community engagement and development.
During the launch, Mr. Malambo emphasized the New Dawn Government’s commitment to ensuring that no one in Zambia suffers from hunger.
He stated, “President Hakainde Hichilema has clearly outlined that no one will die from hunger, and through initiatives like the Cash for Work program, we are actively working to support those in need.”
The CFW program is designed to target the most vulnerable members of the community, which Mr. Malambo noted that not everyone would benefit from the initiative and that the focus on the poorest underscores the Government’s intent to prioritize those who are most in need.
And Mr. Powell Mutenguna, the Council Chairperson of Monze District, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the challenges of limited resources.
He appealed for community support and understanding, urging residents to be sympathetic towards vulnerable households.
“We must ensure transparency in identifying rightful beneficiaries. We are calling on traditional leaders to facilitate community meetings to foster inclusivity and avoid accusations of unfairness in the selection process,” he said.
The head teacher of Malundu Secondary School William Kwibisa presented an initiative aimed at enhancing local agricultural practices.
He said the school is set to embark on a production unit project that will serve as an educational platform for community members.
He explained that the he project aims to demonstrate efficient food production techniques on small plots of land, ultimately contributing to food security in the community.
“To kick start the production unit project, the school will require assistance from the community, particularly in constructing a fence around the school garden. We are optimistic that this collaboration would lead to valuable knowledge transfer and empower local residents to improve their agricultural practices,” he said.
The launch event was attended by a diverse group of stakeholders, including Council Secretary Beston Kajoba, Malundu ward councilor, Local Government officials, representatives from various Government Departments, and traditional leaders.
As the Cash for Work program takes off, it represents a crucial effort by the Zambian Government to address hunger and promote sustainable development through community involvement and support. One thousand seven hundred and thirty-one (1731) vulnerable households will benefit from the CFW initiative in Monze District.

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Monze Town Council Public Relations Officer Kanchele Kanchele has said that the local authority has approved the 2024 Main Valuation Roll during a special ordinary full council meeting held on Thursday.
Mr. Kanchele said the previous Main Valuation Roll for Monze, which expired on December 31, 2023, prompted the council to commence preparations for the new roll.
“Following a resolution passed during the ordinary council meeting on December 27, 2023, Mr. Paul Moyo, a registered valuation surveyor, was appointed to undertake this critical exercise in accordance with the Rating Act No. 21 of 2018.
“The approved 2024 Main Valuation Roll has projected a total of over 4000 properties, with a remarkable rateable value of over ZMW 1,382,364,590. Among these, 127 properties are designated as government properties, which will allow the local authority to receive a grant in lieu of rates. Additionally, 57 farms have been identified as zero-rated properties,” he said.
Mr. Kanchele noted that the 2024 Main Valuation Roll reflects an impressive increase of approximately 74% in rateable values compared to the previous valuation roll conducted in 2017.
He said to address the potential financial impact on ratepayers due to the increase in property values, the council has decided to maintain the rate levy as approved in the 2017 Main Valuation Roll.
Mr. Kanchele emphasized the council’s commitment to transparency and public engagement in this process.
“The 2024 Main Valuation Roll will now be opened to the public for objections. Residents are encouraged to review the new roll and voice any concerns they may have during the objection period,” he said.
Kanchele Kanchele
22/11/2024
Monze Town Council Public Relations Officer Kanchele Kanchele says the Local Authority in collaboration with Chakamu Construction Company, is set to complete the highly anticipated works on the Nabukuyu-Moomba road.
In a statement issued to the media Mr. Kanchele said the 30-kilometer stretch, which connects Moomba ward to the Central Business District through Chona ward, has been a longstanding challenge for the local community in Moomba ward.
He said the road’s dilapidated condition has been a source of frustration for drivers, who have regularly faced vehicle damage due to the rocky terrain and the lack of maintenance over the years.
“This is a milestone achievement for Moomba Constituency and Moomba ward in particular. Residents will now have easy access to goods and services, which was previously a nightmare due to the poor state of the road.
“The project was allocated a sum of K2.1 million in the 2023 Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocations and involves desilting of existing culverts, formation of mitre drains, clearing and grubbing, as well as light grading,” he said.
He said the local authority recognized the challenges posed by the rocky terrain and sought the assistance of Chakamu Construction Company, which brought in a bulldozer to ensure the works were carried out to a reasonable quality.
“The terrain of the area, which is predominantly rocky, necessitated the involvement of Chakamu Construction Company, who came in with a bulldozer to ensure the works were completed to a satisfactory standard,” Kanchele explained.
He said the project is expected to be completed by the end of December, marking a significant milestone for the Moomba Constituency and the local community.
He added that the development will not only improve the ease of transportation but also contribute to the overall economic and social development of the region.
“This road project is a testament to the commitment of the New Dawn Government through local authorities and its collaborative approach with the private sector to address the infrastructure challenges faced by the Moomba Constituency,” said Mr Kanchele.

Kanchele Kanchele
22/11/2024
Monze Town Council Public Relations Officer Kanchele Kanchele says the Local Authority in collaboration with Chakamu Construction Company, is set to complete the highly anticipated works on the Nabukuyu-Moomba road.
In a statement issued to the media Mr. Kanchele said the 30-kilometer stretch, which connects Moomba ward to the Central Business District through Chona ward, has been a longstanding challenge for the local community in Moomba ward.
He said the road’s dilapidated condition has been a source of frustration for drivers, who have regularly faced vehicle damage due to the rocky terrain and the lack of maintenance over the years.
“This is a milestone achievement for Moomba Constituency and Moomba ward in particular. Residents will now have easy access to goods and services, which was previously a nightmare due to the poor state of the road.
“The project was allocated a sum of K2.1 million in the 2023 Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocations and involves desilting of existing culverts, formation of mitre drains, clearing and grubbing, as well as light grading,” he said.
He said the local authority recognized the challenges posed by the rocky terrain and sought the assistance of Chakamu Construction Company, which brought in a bulldozer to ensure the works were carried out to a reasonable quality.
“The terrain of the area, which is predominantly rocky, necessitated the involvement of Chakamu Construction Company, who came in with a bulldozer to ensure the works were completed to a satisfactory standard,” Kanchele explained.
He said the project is expected to be completed by the end of December, marking a significant milestone for the Moomba Constituency and the local community.
He added that the development will not only improve the ease of transportation but also contribute to the overall economic and social development of the region.
“This road project is a testament to the commitment of the New Dawn Government through local authorities and its collaborative approach with the private sector to address the infrastructure challenges faced by the Moomba Constituency,” said Mr Kanchele.

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