KALATA KULI BA MP WESU ABALEISA MU NSHIKU 420

Dear Aspiring Luapula Constituency MP,

'Umwana bamufunda pa kuya. Pa kubwela alakana'

Our forefathers coined the adage: “Insala ni ndiminwa, te mpulilwa iyoo.”  

This was to encourage us to go out and till the land so we did not become beggars. If our own household had no food for longer than two days, and you were forced to ask for help from relatives or friends, the head of that household took the blame and apologized as a responsible provider for the family.  (Remember those days when our fishermen were allowed to freely excel at their trade?) Yes, we even had floods at times! Those who failed to consistently feed their own families had derogatory nicknames such as Impumfi, abapushi, etc. So, in terms of development, you will be that head of our communal household of Lunga. I am convinced you realize this and is the reason you want to run for that office.

I know that things are different today. The game has completely changed. Incessant floods, partly due to blocked canals and climate change, unfair fish markets and not-so-convincing fish bans which are different from traditional and ordinary local chiefs’-controlled suspensions; these and other factors have reduced us to Abapushi. The term, “RELIEF FOOD,” has even become as familiar as a before-meal prayer and so normalized amongst us. We even budget and wait for its arrival, a thing that never ever crossed our minds.  DMMU has become a de facto Malaika Uutulinda.

Some strangers to our way of life jump to extremes of tormenting inhabitants of our God-given swamps by suggesting that they migrate to “better places,” as if there’s any better place than HOME. We appreciate the tormentors’ ignorance as we clearly understand that they know not that wise saying that, “Whenever you feel like criticizing any one, just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had.” We hear and ignore them for they know not our rich history which we implore you to teach them.

Sir/Madam, look at our natural resources’ management through the natural eye of a common man on the island. Our animals, birds, etc. are managed by foreign companies who benefit more than the locals. You will need to answer some questions soon; such as:

·         Who can be the best guardian of our resources, indigenous inhabitants (Mwine Pano/ Mwansanga Pano) or those who came and said can do it on our behalf? Isn’t it said that ‘employ a thief to catch a thief’ for positive results? The endemic poaching problem can better be handled by locals getting fully involved in the protection of our animals because they are the poachers or they know them better. Wrong fishing gears or weirs are used by locals. Only locals can stop each other from these vices. Mansukano chasing of fishermen by the so-called marines is not necessary and a waste of time and resources. Our people qualify to be marines mwe bantu!

·         When are we going to be fully in control? Are there any plans or it’s God’s case with no prospects of appeal?

·         Why should fishermen continue to live in perpetual poverty, a thing we never experienced many years ago when the world was less developed and leaders less educated?  What is your vision/ or strategy to end this embarrassment?

·         What happened to the idea of central fish marketing Cooperative at Bwalya Mponda? Why can’t the idea be revisited?  What about value addition to our rice and other initiatives?

Please Madam/ Sir, look at the issue of Icibindo (Fish Ban) critically and see how it affects your constituents. Let our chiefs regulate the ban as it used to be in the good old days. My grandfather who managed Nsenya fishing camps near Ncheta Island could successfully order people not to fish in certain breeding areas with authority from the chief, while people were allowed to fish in other places.  The best people who can control these vices are Chipupilas under the supervision of chiefs. This problem can easily be solved without forcing people to use unorthodox means to survive. Bushe mukabebako abo cikumine?

Madam/ Sir, interrogate whatever happened to the continuous canal clearing. This used to provide some permanent employment to some locals and improved the economy of the communities to some extent. Elsewhere, every year, roads are being cleared. Urban or peri-urban areas. Local contractors are engaged. Surely, we can also have local contractors to clear our canals like those doing the roads and drainages every day? Think about this and claim what is due to your constituents.

Sir/Madam, I am sure the national cake is big enough to go round. Like when you are at a feast, sometimes those who shout the loudest are given the attention and gets what is due to them. We are a people, we have culture, we have natural resources, why can’t we have tourists visiting our places and leaving some money to improve our lives?  For example, Samfya is now a tourist focus. All because people are talking about it. Bangweulu and its white sand beaches have always been there. It’s only when people begun talking that it attracted the attention needed. The roads leading to its beaches are busy. The rest, as they say, is history. Would you help re-brand our islands and their swamps?

Madam/ Sir, please work not in isolation. Involve everyone. You are not at war with other contestants.  You are all one, trying to serve your fellow tribesmen. Share ideas with others. Do not try to undo the good works of past office bearers for the sake of popularity. Instead, build on their foundation. Better the situation. The fact that you are elected does not make you the wisest. Amano yafuma na mwi fwesa, yaaya mu chulu. Listen to the people.

In less than 450 days, you will be inaugurated. Do not just mind your pocket. Remember the man who will be coming from a mosquito infested fishing camp to come and vote for you. The old woman who will deposit her hopes of a better life in you. That youth thinking of becoming a conservationist will be looking up to you. The heavy load of their troubles will be right upon your shoulders. Will you offload it into that comfy Pajero and forget it was ever received by you? Soon, you will be begging them for votes. A while later, you will want them to apply in writing to see you. Ba Kambwili batila, ‘Insoni e buntu!”

Ifingi nshikwete.

Naleka nine,

Shilunga Fye!