Eastern Province Rising: President Hichilema Charts a New Path of Progress
Eastern Province is being reimagined as the centerpiece of Zambia’s growth story, with President Hakainde Hichilema unveiling a sweeping agenda that blends infrastructure renewal, social protection expansion, and agricultural empowerment.
At rallies across Chipata, Chadiza, Vubwi and Katete, the Head of State said that the era of neglected roads and stalled projects is over. He confirmed that the Great East Road will be widened into a dual carriageway to ease congestion, while the long‑awaited Chipata–Lundazi Road is finally set for construction. In Chadiza, the route popularly known as the “HH Road” will be tarred for the first time since independence, alongside upgrades to the Chadiza–Chanida and Chadiza–Vubwi roads. Katete’s transport network will also be modernised, with works on the Katete–Chanida stretch already scheduled.
Mr. Hichilema highlighted the Chipata West Solar Power Project, now halfway complete, which will add 100 megawatts to the national grid. He announced that Chipata Hospital is being expanded into a fully‑fledged general facility, while Katete will receive a new district hospital to meet rising demand.
The President pointed to the expansion of the Social Cash Transfer programme, with payments raised to K1,000 per beneficiary, as evidence of his government’s commitment to vulnerable households. He reaffirmed ongoing recruitment of civil servants and promised more opportunities for young people through skills training and entrepreneurship initiatives.
Agriculture remains central to the agenda, with Mr. Hichilema pledging to broaden the number of beneficiaries under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) to strengthen productivity and secure viable markets for crops such as tobacco and soya beans.
The President urged residents to resist opposition promises, warning that reversing course would undo the progress achieved over the past four years.
“Going back means undoing every good thing we have built together,” he told supporters in Chipata, citing free education, expanded bursaries, and decentralisation through the Constituency Development Fund as proof of his administration’s resolve.
He concluded by stressing that continuity is essential for Eastern Province’s transformation, urging voters to deliver a decisive mandate for the UPND to expand infrastructure, healthcare, education, and social protection across the province.
Meanwhile, the Resolute Party formally endorsed President Hichilema’s candidacy, with leader Martin Phiri announcing a break from the Tonse Alliance and urging members to support the UPND. Other alliance figures, including Miles Sampa, joined parliamentary candidates in Katete in calling for overwhelming support for the ruling party to sustain development momentum.
© 2026 The State House, Zambia.
Notes
Eastern Province is being reimagined as the centerpiece of Zambia’s growth story, with President Hakainde Hichilema unveiling a sweeping agenda that blends infrastructure renewal, social protection expansion, and agricultural empowerment. At rallies across Chipata, Chadiza, Vubwi and Katete, the Head of State said that the era of neglected roads and stalled projects is over. He confirmed that the Great East Road will be widened into a dual carriageway to ease congestion, while the long‑awaited Chipata–Lundazi Road is finally set for construction. In Chadiza, the route popularly known as the “HH Road” will be tarred for the first time since independence, alongside upgrades to the Chadiza–Chanida and Chadiza–Vubwi roads. Katete’s transport network will also be modernised, with works on the Katete–Chanida stretch already scheduled. Mr. Hichilema highlighted the Chipata West Solar Power Project, now halfway complete, which will add 100 megawatts to the national grid. He announced that Chipata Hospital is being expanded into a fully‑fledged general facility, while Katete will receive a new district hospital to meet rising demand. The President pointed to the expansion of the Social Cash Transfer programme, with payments raised to K1,000 per beneficiary, as evidence of his government’s commitment to vulnerable households. He reaffirmed ongoing recruitment of civil servants and promised more opportunities for young people through skills training and entrepreneurship initiatives. Agriculture remains central to the agenda, with Mr. Hichilema pledging to broaden the number of beneficiaries under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) to strengthen productivity and secure viable markets for crops such as tobacco and soya beans. The President urged residents to resist opposition promises, warning that reversing course would undo the progress achieved over the past four years. “Going back means undoing every good thing we have built together,” he told supporters in Chipata, citing free education, expanded bursaries, and decentralisation through the Constituency Development Fund as proof of his administration’s resolve. He concluded by stressing that continuity is essential for Eastern Province’s transformation, urging voters to deliver a decisive mandate for the UPND to expand infrastructure, healthcare, education, and social protection across the province. Meanwhile, the Resolute Party formally endorsed President Hichilema’s candidacy, with leader Martin Phiri announcing a break from the Tonse Alliance and urging members to support the UPND. Other alliance figures, including Miles Sampa, joined parliamentary candidates in Katete in calling for overwhelming support for the ruling party to sustain development momentum. © 2026 The State House, Zambia.