Lunga is a district in the Luapula Province of Zambia, notable for being an archipelago of islands within the Bangweulu Wetlands. It is one of 12 districts in the province.
Key facts
Formation: The district was created in 2012 by splitting it off from the neighboring Samfya District.
Geography: Lunga is primarily composed of habitable, isolated islands surrounded by the Bangweulu wetlands and associated bodies of water, including Lake Bangweulu and the Luapula and Chambeshi rivers.
Accessibility: Reaching the district is a challenging journey, typically involving a long drive to Samfya, followed by a motorboat ride.
Chiefs: The area is home to the Unga-speaking people and is divided among four main chiefdoms: Senior Chief Kalima Nkonde, Chief Kasomalunga, Chief Nsamba, and Chief Bwalya Mponda.
Economy: The district's economy has historically centered on fishing. However, due to dwindling fish populations, there has been a shift toward rice cultivation, and Lunga is now a significant rice-producing district in Luapula Province.
Challenges
Infrastructure: As a newly established district, Lunga has faced hurdles in securing civil servants and developing adequate infrastructure.
Connectivity: Due to its remote location on islands, the district has poor internet and telecommunications connectivity, which affects access to government and other services.
Lunga District
