Luanshya residents have called on the relevant authorities to implement the presidential directive by prioritizing locals when undertaking developmental projects in the district.

Evans Chanda, who thanked the government for the construction of the Luanshya- Fisenge road lamented that the contractors on site have not effectively engaged the local residents for employment opportunities.

Mr Chanda has urged the local leadership to ensure that Luanshya residents benefit at most when such opportunities arise, to minimize the unemployment levels in the district that has got a rising population of youths.

Another resident, Evans Kafula complained that on several occasions, many youths within Luanshya tried to seek employment from the contractors before the commencement of the works, but only resulted into aggressive altercations between the residents and the construction company while Abigail Bwalya stated that the contractors came with their own labor force.

And efforts to get a comment from Luanshya Mayor Charles Mulenga, proved futile as his phone went unanswered by press time.