12/09/2025
CHIEF CHITINA CALLS FOR EXPANSION OF AfAW MODEL PROJECTS TO MKUSHI
Chief Chitina of the Lala-Swaka people of Mkushi District, Central Province, has paid tribute to Africa Access Water (AfAW) for actualising the water-to-food nexus.
He has since invited AfAW to replicate their projects in Lusaka's Makeni and Kafue's Mphande areas.
The Chief thanked Mimosa Resources for the visit and urged them to support an AfAW model in his chiefdom.
The Traditional Leader was speaking in Kafue after a familiarisation tour of AfAW projects.
He expressed gratitude to AfAW and noted that the soil found in the area was not as rich as that of Mkushi.
Chief Chitina said that despite the poor soils in the mountainous regions, he observed that food production was still possible.
He commended AfAW for demonstrating how water can be sourced from mountains and was impressed by the agricultural output in stony terrain.
He noted that although people in Mpande live in scattered settlements, the organisation had made efforts to bring them together.
The Chief said similar developments could be achieved in his chiefdom if the right support was found.
He added that it would be inspiring to see an organisation like AfAW unite people in his Chiefdom through such initiatives.
Chief Chitina acknowledged the four-year presence of AfAW in Kafue's Mphande area and praised the infrastructure, including classrooms.
Meanwhile, Africa Access Water (AfAW) Chief Executive Officer Rodney Katongo thanked Chief Chitina and his entourage for visiting the project sites.
He said the visit highlighted the transformative power of solar-powered water systems in vulnerable communities.
Katongo emphasised that the systems enable year-round productivity, income generation, and food security.
He noted that such outcomes align with the organisation’s core values and mission.
Katongo also thanked Mimosa Resources for supporting the visit and encouraged them to become active members of the community.
He expressed hope that similar projects could be adopted in Mkushi to benefit the chiefdom.
Katongo said meaningful change in people’s lives depends on productivity and financial stability within the community.
Earlier, Mentor Me Zambia Counsel Mulenga Mpabalwani thanked AfAW for the tour and said the model could transform lives in the Chitina community.
Mpabalwani noted that it would provide alternative livelihoods and reduce charcoal burning, which would benefit the environment.
She added that the initiative could offer additional income and improve living standards.
Mpabalwani described the experience as humbling and heartwarming and said it showed that development can truly come from a chief who cares for his people.
This is contained in a statement issued by AfAW Communications Officer Temwa Gondwe.
