Shiwang`andu, February 16, 2023.ZANIS—

FREEDOM Fighters in Shiwang`andu District in Muchinga Province have welcomed the move by Government to construct a Museum in the Province.

Speaking in an interview with Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) in Shiwang`andu today, a freedom fighter Isaac Katongo 86 said that the Museum will help in Heritage conservation and create unity in diversity. Mr. Katongo added that, construction of a Museum in Muchinga Province is a great milestone that will help in preserving local culture.

“Museums are so essential for Education, cultural preservation, Tourism and the Local Economy,” Said Mr. Katongo.

Mr. Katongo has since called for identification and maintenance of Heritage sites in Muchinga Province as the sites will be attached to the Museum. He added that, there is need for the Museum to be completed and not to be left as a white elephant.

The construction works for the Museum is earmarked to start this year and over One Million Kwacha (K1, 000, 000) has been allocated to construct part of building. Part of the Museum is scheduled to be completed before the Muchinga Province Investment Forum and Expo.

Meanwhile, Mr. Katongo has called on Government to uplift the plight of Freedom Fighters in Muchinga Province .

“Us in Muchinga Province especially in Shiwang`andu we feel left out as compared to Freedom Fighters in the Copperbelt and Lusaka,” Said Mr. Katongo.

He stressed that, Freedom Fighters are only remembered on days such as Independence Day and African Freedom Day. He further said that, currently only few freedom fighters are alive as most of them have died, hence Government can manage to take care of the remaining freedom fighters by improving their livelihoods, saying most of them are walloping in poverty.

Mr. Katongo has also called for maintenance of the grave yards of freedom fighters who died at the battle front during the struggle for independence.