UPND’s Nonde Sikasote promises Chawama residents a mortuary, libraries

**Lusaka, Zambia** – In a move that underscores the highly localized nature of Zambian political campaigning, aspiring United Party for National Development (UPND) candidate Nonde Sikasote has pledged to construct a mortuary at Chawama Level One Hospital and establish libraries in each ward of the constituency, should he be elected. These promises, reported by News Diggers, aim to directly address specific community needs within the densely populated Chawama area, reflecting a common strategy employed by candidates to resonate with the immediate concerns of the electorate. Sikasote's twin pledges highlight critical gaps in urban social infrastructure. The promise of a mortuary, while seemingly a grim topic for a campaign, speaks to a very real and often overlooked need for dignified and accessible facilities for the bereaved. Many urban communities in Zambia, including parts of Lusaka, grapple with inadequate mortuary services, forcing families to travel long distances or endure undignified conditions during their most vulnerable times. Similarly, the commitment to establishing libraries in each ward addresses the perennial challenge of access to educational resources and safe spaces for intellectual development, particularly for students and out-of-school youth in high-density areas where such facilities are scarce. This focus aligns with broader calls for improved literacy and digital inclusion across the nation. From the ruling party's perspective, such promises would likely be framed as a testament to the UPND's commitment to grassroots development and improving social services across the country. The party would no doubt present Sikasote's proposals as an embodiment of their national agenda to uplift communities and enhance the quality of life for all Zambians, demonstrating a responsive and people-centric approach to governance. However, the independent media, including this publication, would be remiss not to scrutinize the feasibility and funding mechanism