The colourful ceremony, held in Chadiza, was graced by the Eastern Province Permanent Secretary Mr. Paul B. Thole, who was joined by Member of Parliament Hon. Jonathan Daka, District Commissioner Mr. Malan Zimba, Council Chairperson Mr. Richard Zimba, PLGO Mr. Alex Bwalya, Council Secretary Mr. Mwansa Mumba, and other government heads of departments.

The commissioned projects include:

Chamandala Staff House

Chamandala Maternity Annex with Water Scheme

Ngala Maternity Annex with Water Scheme

Ngala Staff House

Motor Grader

Tractor Loader Backhoe (TLB)

Compactor

Tipper Truck

Water Bowser

Maternity Wing at Chadiza Urban Clinic

Official Flag-Off of the 2025 Road Works Programme

Speaking during the event, the Permanent Secretary hailed Chadiza’s development efforts, describing the projects as “a living testament of what is possible when government resources are placed directly in the hands of communities.”

“These projects are not just structures. They are saving lives, creating jobs, and restoring dignity to people who were once forgotten,” Mr. Thole said.

The new maternity annexes and water systems in Chamandala and Ngala are expected to greatly reduce maternal risks by bringing essential health services closer to rural mothers. Staff houses for teachers and health workers were also praised for improving worker retention in remote areas.

The ceremony also featured the unveiling of a fleet of heavy-duty equipment including a grader, compactor, tipper truck, water bowser, and backhoe purchased at a cost of over K13 million. The machines will enable the district to maintain and grade its roads without waiting on external contractors. The launch of the 2025 road grading programme was flagged off during the event, with 30 km already completed and 128 km targeted this year.

MP Jonathan Daka described the projects as “real development that people can touch and feel,” while Council Chairperson Richard Zimba praised the community for their involvement. “The people of Chadiza spoke, and we listened. This is what decentralisation looks like in action,” he said.

Council Secretary Mwansa Mumba echoed those sentiments, thanking ward development committees, council staff, and traditional leaders for their cooperation in ensuring successful project delivery.

As drums echoed and dances filled the air, one message stood out clearly: Chadiza is not waiting for development, it is building it, one project at a time.