‘Lazy’ permanent secretaries disappoint Sata

PRESIDENT Michael Sata is disappointed with the performance of some permanent secretaries in spearheading development projects.
President Sata said he was disappointed with the performance of some permanent secretaries in various provinces, especially that with their presence, Government had to receive vital developmental information from other sources.
He has since ordered them to be proactive in monitoring development projects taking root around the country.
The President said this at State House in Lusaka yesterday when he swore-in Chanda Kasolo as new Permanent Secretary for Luapula Province, replacing Ben Phiri, whose appointment was revoked.
“Mr PS, I have been let down by some permanent secretaries. Don’t spend time in your office, go and work, find out what is happening in your areas, meet officials, meet the chiefs and monitor developmental projects.
“Why should we be receiving information from other people, when you are there? When you are being sworn-in, you have all these people as witnesses but when fired, these witnesses will not be there,” he said.
Mr Sata said it was worrying for Government to receive developmental information from other sources, even when permanent secretaries were present to take up this responsibility.
The Head of State urged the permanent secretaries to be forerunners of the development agenda in their respective provinces and ensure coordination and implementation were monitored.
He said it was important to work in consultation with vital stakeholders, especially traditional leaders among others.
And in response, after being sworn-in, Mr Kasolo expressed gratitude for his appointment, saying he would endeavour to work according to the expectations of the Head of State and the Zambians.
Mr Kasolo, an accountant by profession, said Luapula Province had vast agricultural and tourism potential which could further be exploited with the full engagement of local and foreign investors.
He said he would engage traditional leaders and ensure adherence to President Sata’s directive to monitor developmental programmes.
“I have to thank His Excellency for this appointment and I will ensure that Luapula is turned around as it has vast potential in key economic sectors,” he said.