Pemba District
| Pemba District | |
|---|---|
| District | |
| Country | Zambia |
| Province | Southern Province |
| Established | 2012 |
| Time zone | CAT (UTC+2) |
Pemba District is one of the districts in the Southern Province of Zambia. It was established in 2012 when it was separated from the larger Choma District. The district's administrative center is the town of Pemba, which lies along the Lusaka–Livingstone Road between Choma and Monze.
History
Pemba District was originally part of Choma District, one of the largest districts in Southern Province. In 2012, Pemba was made a district in its own right as part of the Zambian government's decentralization efforts aimed at improving administrative efficiency and local governance.
The creation of the district was intended to promote development by bringing government services closer to the people of Pemba, with the aim of improving infrastructure, health services, education, and agriculture.
Geography
Pemba District is located in the central part of Southern Province, bordered by Choma District to the south and Monze District to the north. It lies within Zambia’s agricultural heartland, and its terrain consists mainly of flat plains, suitable for farming activities.
The district is situated along the vital T1 Highway (Great North Road), which connects Lusaka to the southern and western parts of Zambia, making it an important area for transportation and trade.
Economy
The economy of Pemba District is predominantly based on agriculture. The fertile soils and favorable climate make the district suitable for growing a variety of crops, including maize, groundnuts, and cotton. Livestock farming, particularly cattle rearing, is also a major economic activity in the district, contributing to both local consumption and national markets.
The district has a vibrant farming community, with smallholder farmers playing a significant role in agricultural production. The government and various NGOs have initiated programs to support farming activities, such as providing access to farming inputs, improving irrigation, and training farmers on modern agricultural practices.
Infrastructure
Pemba District benefits from its strategic location along the Great North Road, which connects it to major towns like Lusaka, Choma, and Livingstone. The road infrastructure is vital for transporting agricultural produce and other goods to markets within and outside the district.
The district has basic public services, including schools, health centers, and local government offices. In recent years, the government has increased its investment in improving infrastructure, particularly in education and healthcare, as part of the broader decentralization policy.
Education
Pemba District has several primary and secondary schools serving the local population. Although most schools in the district are government-funded, there are also a few community-run and private institutions. The government has been working on expanding educational facilities and improving the quality of education to meet the growing demand in the district.
Health
Healthcare services in Pemba District are provided by several rural health centers and clinics. The district does not have a full-fledged hospital, and patients requiring advanced medical care often travel to nearby districts like Choma or Monze. Efforts have been made by the government and development partners to improve access to health services and reduce the incidence of common diseases in the area.
Culture and People
Pemba District is home to several ethnic groups, with the Tonga people being the largest group. The local language spoken is predominantly Chitonga, though many people also speak Bemba and English. The district’s culture is deeply rooted in traditional practices, with various cultural ceremonies and events taking place throughout the year. One such event is the Lwiindi Gonde Ceremony, which is celebrated by the Tonga people to honor their ancestors and pray for good rains and harvests.
Government
The district is administered by the Pemba District Council, which is responsible for local governance and development planning. The council oversees service delivery in areas such as education, health, agriculture, and infrastructure development. Pemba also has representation in the National Assembly of Zambia, with elected officials advocating for the district’s interests at the national level.
See Also
References
1. "Zambia: Creation of New Districts," Times of Zambia, 2012. 2. Southern Province Government Report, 2019. 3. Central Statistical Office of Zambia, 2020 Census Data. 4. "Pemba District Council Development Plan," Government of Zambia, 2021.