THE MMD in Masaiti District has pledged to continue recruiting members to strengthen the ruling party and consolidate its popularity.

Masaiti MMD chairman, Michael Katambo said yesterday at the card renewal kick-off ceremony that all members should rededicate themselves towards the ideals of the ruling party and brace themselves adequately for the 2011 general elections.

Mr Katambo challenged members to show their dedication and put more efforts in the party programmes.

"From what I've seen, there is still a lot of support from the people in Masati District. The two constituencies, Masaiti and Kafulafuta, gave our party massive support and we emerged winners at both presidential and parliamentary levels," he said.

He said although Kafulafuta member of Parliament (MP), George Mpombo had resigned as Defence minister and from the national executive committee (NEC), the party in the district would not get involved because it was a personal decision.

Mr Katambo said since President Rupiah Banda had accepted Mr Mpombo's decision, the leaders in the district would continue to respect the former minister because he was still MP of the area. He urged all the members to continue working hard even though Mr Mpombo had resigned from the NEC and Cabinet.

Mr Katambo said members would continue supporting President Banda in his quest to improve the livelihood of Zambians.