In a landmark move for Zambia’s agricultural sector, Senior Chief Kankomba Welala Muchinda of Serenje has officially signed a consent document clearing the way for the long-delayed Luombwa Irrigation Project. The ceremonial signing, held in Lusaka, represents a turning point after four years of administrative and legal delays.
The signing follows a directive from President Hakainde Hichilema urging local authorities to work more closely with traditional leaders to remove bottlenecks hindering development. Senior Chief Muchinda’s endorsement not only fulfills this national call but also establishes a powerful precedent for integrating customary land governance with national infrastructure ambitions.
“This is what walking the talk looks like,” local authorities remarked, praising the Chief’s decision as a symbol of leadership grounded in action and vision.
With consent now granted, the Luombwa Irrigation Company is set to begin construction on a dam that will irrigate over 5,000 hectares of farmland. The project is expected to facilitate the production of up to 35,000 metric tonnes of maize annually, significantly boosting food security and economic activity in the region.
Serenje District Commissioner Paul Masuwa hailed the collaboration as a model for inclusive development.
“Development is not possible in isolation. This collaboration shows what can be achieved when we work together across institutions, traditions and generations,” he said.
Beyond agriculture, the irrigation project is anticipated to create local jobs, improve water resource management and promote climate-resilient farming through technology transfer.
This milestone signifies more than just infrastructure development, it exemplifies a deepening alignment between traditional leadership and national progress. As Zambia seeks to modernize its agricultural systems and empower rural communities, the Luombwa initiative offers a replicable blueprint for inclusive, locally anchored development.
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Ministry of Agriculture, Zambia
Serenje Town Council
The Agency
