Chief Mumbi of the Nsenga people in Petauke District has expressed satisfaction with the progress Zambia National Service (ZNS) has made in the reconstruction of Amose Dam.
The Traditional Leader said he was confident that the dam, which is at 90 per cent complete, will revitalize local fishing activities and agricultural activities, providing the much-needed economic relief to local residents.
Speaking when the ZNS Commander Lieutenant General Engineer Maliti Solochi II and his delegation paid a courtesy call on him at his Palace yesterday, Chief Mumbi described the project as “a lifeline,” noting that the original dam was swept away 15 years ago, and that previous attempts to reconstruct it had proved futile. 
The Traditional Leader, therefore, commended President Hichilema for promptly taking action to address the plight of residents in his Chiefdom, adding that the reconstructed dam will provide reliable water for both animals and humans, and also promote enhanced engagement in agricultural activities that will go a long way in boosting the earning abilities of his subjects which ultimately, he said, will assist in reducing household poverty.
“The reconstruction of this dam in my chiefdom has been a longstanding issue. There were repeated calls on previous governments which unfortunately went unattended to. It is thereby pleasing and commendable that the Republican President Mr Hakainde Hichilema did not hesitate to heed our call and our cry for the reconstruction of the dam. We are, therefore, greatly indebted to him,” Chief Mumbi said.
He also lauded the work the Service is doing for the nation, stressing that water is essential not just for home consumption but also for irrigation and agricultural activities.
And Lt Gen Solochi informed the Traditional Leader that part of his three-day working visit to the Province was to conduct an on-the-spot check of the ongoing dam construction.
He assured the Chief of ZNS’ dedication to deliver quality and cost effective works.
Lt Gen Solochi further pledged his Institution’s readiness to provide 100,000 fingerlings to restock the dam upon its completion.
The Commander also took time to inspect Lutwazi Dam, which is 78 per cent complete, where he directed the ZNS project team on site to expedite works and even issued a 30-day ultimatum in which to complete the project, underscoring the urgency of contributing to national efforts of mitigating effects of drought and climate change.
He appealed to the Ministry of Water and Sanitation to expedite the release of funds to facilitate timely project delivery.
Meanwhile, Petauke District Commissioner Mrs Martha Mulenga commended the government for prioritizing development in her district, noting that the dam projects are transformative steps toward sustainable growth.
“The construction of these dams will change lives in Petauke, and we are grateful for the government’s commitment to the development of our district,” Mrs Mulenga said.
The rehabilitation of Amuse and Lutwazi dams is part of a larger initiative by the Ministry of Water and Sanitation, which has contracted ZNS to construct and rehabilitate 11 community dams across Central, Eastern, Muchinga, Northern, and Southern Provinces at a total cost of K92.5 million.
