By Given Mutinta
PRESIDENT HICHILEMA’S POPULIST PROMISES
President Hakainde Hichilema said he will build ten airports, one in each of Zambia’s provinces, should he be re-elected.
This ambitious promise, made during the launch of his party’s manifesto, implies constructing an average of two new airports per year over a five-year term.
However, this pledge is drawing skepticism given that during his first five-year presidency, not a single airport or airstrip was constructed.
Airport construction is a highly complex and expensive undertaking, involving extensive planning, significant financial investment, and thorough feasibility studies.
The promise, lacking clear timelines, funding details, and strategic planning, appears more a populist pledge aimed at inspiring voter optimism rather than a realistic goal.
President Hichilema is known for grandiose campaign promises that simplify the challenges behind development.
Opposition leader Brian Mundubile responded dismissively, pointing out that President Hichilema’s 2021 manifesto remains largely unfulfilled, suggesting that instead of launching new promises, the president should focus on delivering previous ones.