Victor Kalesha pledges development, Youth Empowerment in Lufwanyama East
By Chali Mulenga
Aspiring Lufwanyama East parliamentary candidate Victor Kalesha has pledged to champion development, youth empowerment and effective representation if elected in the 2026 general elections.
Mr. Kalesha, who hails from Chief Shibuchinga’s area in Lufwanyama District, Copperbelt Province urged residents to prioritise competence and leadership capacity over party affiliation and hand-outs.
Kalesha said in a media statement to the people in Lufwanyama.
“My core desire has always been to see a developed Lufwanyama. I have travelled to different provinces and districts and seen places that started behind us but have developed because of the leaders they sent to Parliament,” Kalesha said.
Kalesha said he intends to initiate the development of a modern township comprising low-, medium- and high-cost housing, complete with shops, a shopping mall and other urban facilities. The proposed township, which he plans to name the ‘Emerald City of Lufwanyama’, is expected to be located between the chiefdoms of Lumpuma, Mokutuma and Unkana.
Kalesha called on traditional leaders to identify suitable land, while the local authority would be engaged to demarcate plots.
“No ramshackle structures will be allowed. We want decent houses for people working and earning in Lufwanyama so that we can truly call this place developed,” he said.
Kalesha criticised past leaders for failing to bring visible development to the district, citing areas such as Sorozi, Chipata, Mansa, Kanchibia and Mufumbwe as examples of districts that have recorded faster growth.
“This election is not about political parties, loud music or who gives out food. It is about choosing leaders who can represent us adequately and speak for the people,” Kalesha said.
Kalesha pledged to empower youths and women by ensuring that local contracts benefit residents of Lufwanyama rather than outsiders.
Kalesha encouraged young people to form cooperatives and register them to access contracts and economic opportunities.
“All the small contracts that can be done by our people should remain in Lufwanyama. Development must benefit the local people,” Kalesha said.
He also promised to address challenges facing farmers, including delayed delivery of farming inputs and poor markets for agricultural produce.
“We will ensure inputs are delivered on time and that farmers are paid promptly for their maize and other produce,” Kalesha said.
Kalesha said he was offering servant leadership aimed at taking the voice of the people of Lufwanyama to Parliament and ensuring sustainable development in the district.
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