Source: The Post News Paper.

SENIOR chief Kasempa of the Kaonde people of North-Western Province has urged UPND presidential candidate Hakainde Hichilema never to reverse his fight for Zambia's economic liberation.

And Hichilema was almost blocked from seeing accident victims at Mukinge Hospital.

Meanwhile, UPND North-Western provincial coordinator Patrick Kangwa said MMD is not a factor in the province.

Speaking when Hichilema paid a courtesy call on him at his Lukena palace in Kasempa district on Wednesday, chief Kasempa, while holding the UPND manifesto called 'The vision for Zambia', said he had no doubt that Hichilema would better the lives of the majority poor Zambians once elected as Republican president.

"If God gave you chance as our leader, this country would be better. You need to continue your fight until Zambia is economically liberated. Don't listen to those who discourage you. Your vision is the best," chief Kasempa said.

He said he was keenly following politics and had been reading and comparing manifestos of all political players.

"I have read your manifesto and it is clear that you have something important to offer the Zambian people," he said.

Chief Kasempa said although the Zambian constitution required chiefs to be non-partisan, it was difficult especially when things went wrong.

"Does it mean chiefs do not see that things are wrong in the country? Should chiefs shut their mouths even when things are wrong?" chief Kasempa asked. "No! They have to speak out."

He commended Hichilema's policies on agriculture, education, health, mining, communication, poverty reduction as well as his vision on chief's affairs.

Chief Kasempa said his chiefdom had lost billions of money through theft of precious stones by the so-called foreign investors.

"I should have been one of the richest chiefs here, but minerals are stolen and the government is doing nothing. We need good policies so that foreigners don't steal from us," chief Kasempa said.

He also hailed Hichilema for conducting non-provocative campaigns.

"Love and respect the views of those who don't like you," chief Kasempa advised Hichilema.

Chief Kasempa then gave Hichilema two chickens as a sign of appreciating his visit.

And Hichilema assured the traditional leader that once elected, he would build better palaces for all chiefs in the country.

He said without chiefs, Zambia would not be where it is today.

"I know you have been given second-hand vehicles but how do you maintain them when your salaries are low? I can assure you that I will increase your salaries," Hichilema said.

And earlier when he went to visit party members who had been involved in a road accident and were admitted to Mukinge, a Christian hospital under the Evangelical Church in Zambia, the authorities almost barred him on grounds that they were not notified of his visit.

However, operations came to a standstill at the hospital as all the nurses and some patients came out to greet Hichilema.

Hichilema, who remained outside the hospital for ten minutes before he entered the hospital, expressed disappointment at the behaviour of hospital authorities.

When he entered, Hichilema went straight to the nurse-in-charge and told her that as a leader, he was obliged to see patients at the hospital.

The nurse then apologised and told Hichilema that had they been notified earlier, there would have been no problem because as a Christian hospital they did not want to be seen to be supporting a particular political party.

However, the nurse said Hichilema was welcome to visit the patients.

Hichilema then visited the male, female and children wards.

But as he was trying to leave, student nurses at Mukinge Nurses' Training College demanded to be addressed.

Hichilema addressed the trainee nurses and told them that once elected as Republican president, he would improve the health sector and create more jobs for them.

And addressing a rally at Kaunda Square ground, Hichilema said the office of the president required a strong man.

He said MMD candidate Rupiah Banda and Patriotic Front (PF) leader Michael Sata were old and finished to perform such tough duties.

Hichilema assured civil servants that he would increase their salaries to K3.5 million per month.

"This is time for a businessman to run the country so that jobs and wealth are created for everyone. I have enough experience and my aim is to have every Zambian live a better life," said Hichilema.

Meanwhile, Kangwa assured Hichilema of a 100 per cent vote in North-Western Province.

"MMD is not a factor here. Kabinga Pande's [Kasempa member of parliament] backborn is broken. Kabinga Pande's powers were from [late president Levy] Mwanawasa, and Mwanawasa is no more, then Kabinga Pande falls off. We are just remaining with few days to take HH to State House. Zambians always respect their vote and know what to do on October 30," said Kangwa.

District UPND chairman Shiyupa Kafute urged Kasempa residents to vote for Hichilema because he had the heart for the people.

"When you look at the presentation of material, the human material, in all the four candidates no one can defeat HH. For Sata and Rupiah, I would want Zambians to just forgive them because the guys are too old to govern this country. We actually desire for someone who is going to stand for us, someone who is going to deliver; who cares for all. And we believe HH is going to do well for this country. Levy has had his own time and is gone. Now we need a person with a much brighter vision to add to what Levy left," said Kafute.