Sata launches revised decentralisation policy

—President Michael Sata has
launched a revised National Decentralisation Policy (NDP) with a call
for enhanced attainment of social and economic development as outlined
in the Patriotic Front (PF) party manifesto.

And President Sata has paid glowing tribute to First Republican
president, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda and other freedom fighters for their
role in the freedom struggle.

Meanwhile, pomp and splendour characterised today’s colourful
celebration of Lusaka City’s Centenary commemorations.

Speaking when he graced Lusaka City’s attainment of 100 years at
Lusaka City Council Civic Centre grounds in Lusaka today, Mr. Sata
observed that the city has been transformed from its previous status
as a bush to a modern Cosmopolitan City.

“I want to commend President Kaunda, he saw something in me and
appointed me as a District Governor of Lusaka and my other colleague
Senior Chieftainess Nkomenshya Mukamambo II”, he recalled.

“ City of Lusaka is also renowned for being a beacon for peace and a
haven for hosting freedom fighters in the region and the meeting of
the representatives of the people of North Korea and South Korea”, he
recalled.

President Sata praised the leadership of opposition Forum for
Democracy and Development (FDD), National Restoration Party (NAREP)
and National Revolution Party (NRP) for attending the celebrations.

He stressed that the celebrations were not the PF’s function but a
national event hence there was no need for some opposition leaders to
shun the event.

“I want to acknowledge the presence of FDD, NAREP and NRP, what we are
celebrating here is not a PF occasion but a national one hence the
need to forgo partisan interests and attend”, he advised.

Speaking at the same function, Local Government and Housing, Emerine
Kabanshi commended President Sata for his guidance and support towards
the successful revision of the National Decentralisation Policy.

Ms. Kabanshi is hopeful that the launch of the NDP will give impetus
to the implementation of the decentralisation process as envisaged in
the PF manifesto.

“ I wish to publicly acknowledge the guidance and support from His
Excellency the President towards keeping momentum for
decentralisation. I also wish to let you know your Excellency that
your vision has been a source of inspiration not only to my ministry ,
but also to other line ministries that have since started sector
devolution”, She said.

Ms. Kabanshi pointed out that the launch as come at a better time when
the country will start the commemoration of the local government week,
the Africa Local Government week, Decentralisation and Development
Week respectively.

“Thank you your Excellency for accepting to grace the Lusaka centenary
celebrations and launch the NDP, which I know is dear to your heart
because of its obvious potential to improve the lives of the people”,
she added.

Earlier, Lusaka City Council Mayor Daniel Chisenga said the
celebrations gives the local authority time to re-focus and re-claim
the “Garden City Concept” which he said has been lost over the years.

Mr. Chisenga bemoaned the challenges that the city is facing from
traffic congestion due to inadequate road network, floods due to poor
and non existence of drainage system in the city.

He however explained that the city is quickly improving since the PF
formed government as evident by the unprecedented infrastructure
development and other various projects such as the L 400 which see the
expansion of the selected roads.

The Mayor further explained that the city will also benefit from the
Pave Zambia 2000 and other projects under the American Challenge
Account (ACA) such as improved drainage, water and sanitation.

Vice President Dr. Guy Scott, First Republican president Dr. Kenneth
Kaunda, PF Secretary- General and Justice Minister, Wynter Kabimba
also were in attendance.

Cabinet Ministers and their deputies, visiting mayors, Senior
Chiefatiness Nkomenshya Mukamambo II of the Soli People of Lusaka
Province, Chieftainess Mungule of the Lenje speaking people of
Chibombo District and other dignitaries also attended.