The Editor Zambia
Zambians should not be surprised by remarks attributed to tribalist Mutotwe Kafwaya on the construction of an international airport in Western Province. Kafwaya’s remarks are the true reflection of his political affiliation. They reflect the deep-rooted resentment and plans of how his party wants to discriminate against and isolate some provinces from development.
His remarks are not only dismissive, but are offensive to the people of Western Province, who deserve the same development like every other province in Zambia. 
Political commentators say Kafwaya’s remarks are highly discriminatory and dismissive of the region’s vast natural resources and tourism potential, such as Liuwa Plain National Park and the Kuomboka traditional ceremony, among others.
Kafwaya’s remarks are literally insulting to the people of Western Province. He has demonstrated that should his group form government after August 13 general elections, the province will be neglected.
Kafwaya should not apologise to the Lozi people. Instead, he should extend an apology to the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) and the Litunga, in particular.
His justification of the remarks will not serve him and his party. His party will be punished through the ballot.
President Hakainde Hichilema has proposed the construction of Universities, International airports in all 10 provinces in his next five year term of office.
“Kafwaya’s remarks accurately reflect the position of Tonse Alliance. Zambians should take what he says because he is Mundubile’s presidential advisor. His statement reveals a shocking misunderstanding of national development,” a political comentator observed.
Kafwaya is a well- known tribalist. His history as minister of works and supply revealed his deep- rooted tribalism when he personally recommended dismissals of people from the Zambezi region.
Kafwaya has just revealed his true self and those of his associates whom he was representing when he appeared on the radio programme.
Zambians should not make a mistake of trusting the Tonse Alliance with national leadership.
“Ng’wena ni ng’wena”. His remarks are a reflection of the conversations within the Tonse Alliance. That is their policy. His radio remarks are just a tip of the iceberg of what they are planning to do should they get power.
International Airports are for interlinking countries, especially since Zambia is a landlocked country.
Kafwaya should be lectured on how an international airport will make connections to Angola and surrounding countries in the region accessible.
Kafwaya is blinded by tribalism. Hence, he thinks Western province doesn’t deserve the airport.
By suggesting that Western Province does not deserve the suggested airport because, according to him, “nothing happens in the province apart from the Kuomboka ceremony, a ceremony held only once a year,” Kafwaya reduced one of Zambia’s most resource-rich provinces to a single annual event.
Kafwaya should understand that airports are not built because a province is already developed. They are built to create development by attracting investment, expanding trade, promoting tourism, and creating jobs.
Western Province is blessed with vast agricultural land, world-renown tourism attractions, rich forestry resources, untapped mineral wealth, and a strategic direct borders with Angola to the west and the Caprivi Strip in Namibia to the south.
Western Province is home to one of the biggest national parks, the Kafue National Park. Parts of Kafue National Park, one the biggest national parks in Africa.
Sioma Ngwezi National Park, which is mainly covered by the Kalahari woodland, is in Western Province.
It is the third largest National Park in Zambia covering a total area of more than 5000 km2. The Park holds a huge variety of game species such as Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Hyena, cheetah, wild dog, Giraffe, Zebra, Impala, Buffalo, Hippo, Crocodile and Sitatunga as well as a great number of birds and an impressive waterfalls called the Ngonye Falls.
Western Zambia has amazing views of floodplains. This is a must visit for any tourist.
The King Lubosi Imwiko II Bridge is a significant component of the Mongu-Kalabo road, which encompasses 26 bridges traversing the Barotse floodplain. (the construction of the bridge along with the surrounding 34 km road network traversing the Barotse Floodplain—commenced in 2010). It is the MMD project started by President Rupiah Banda.
If Kafwaya is not aware, Western Zambia hosts four traditional ceremonies annually namely, the Litunga’s Kuomboka in Mongu, the Kazanga traditional ceremony of the Nkoya speaking people in Kaoma, Checke Cha Mbunda in Mongu, the Mbwanjikana Kuomboka ceremony in Kalabo, the Litunga la Mboela Kuomboka ceremony in Nalolo.
