From NKWETO MFULA in Mpika
CHIEF Mpepo of the Bemba speaking people of Mpika has attributed the growing incidences of crime in most rural communities of his chiefdom to high levels of poverty.
Chief Mpepo has observed that the rising poverty levels are forcing young people in rural areas to engage in criminal activities and other vices.
The traditional leader has since called on Government to promote rural areas into investment destinations particularly in agriculture so as to create jobs for young people.
He said most youths are unemployed and that the lazy ones resort to engaging in criminal activities such as stealing wires from Zesco installations, which they sell for economic survival.
“High poverty levels are contributing to the increase in criminal activities especially among young people in my chiefdom and other rural set-ups. We need jobs for our people. Government should intervene by bringing investors here,” he said.
The traditional ruler was speaking to journalists on Thursday when a team of Zesco officials on a vandalism sensitisation programme paid a courtesy call on him at his palace.
He said there is abundant arable land in his chiefdom which can be used for agricultural investment ventures.
Chief Mpepo said he is ready to work with Government and any other stakeholders interested in taking investment to his chiefdom.
The chief said he is optimistic that the current efforts by Government aimed at spearheading development in the country will result in employment creation from which young people will greatly benefit.
And Chief Mpepo has called on Government to establish police posts at various points in rural areas to help fight crime. He also said more health centres are needed in his area to enhance service delivery to the growing population.
The traditional ruler also challenged investors to consider establishing economic ventures in rural areas to supplement government’s efforts aimed at creating jobs for people in the countryside.
He said there are a lot of mangoes in his area which require value addition but just goes to waste.
“If any investor sets up a mango juice processing plant here, that will add value to our fruits,” he said.
Chief Mpepo said the initiative will also create employment among his subjects.