‘Constitution debate shouldn’t derail growth’


JUSTICE Minister Wynter Kabimba has said debate on the Constitution-making process should not derail other equally important developmental programmes.
Mr Kabimba assured that Government will not shift from its commitment to provide a sound Constitution.
The minister appealed to Zambians not to lose focus and get carried away by discussions on the Constitution.
Mr Kabimba, who is Patriotic Front(PF) Secretary General, was speaking in Lusaka  when he featured on ZNBC’s Radio Two programme, Government Forum.
“The process of the Constitution is on but that is not all we ought to address in the interest of the Zambian people. The country has concentrated on the Constitution, people think the Constitution is a vehicle taking everyone to heaven but we have children who need access to education and our schools are also in deplorable conditions,” he said.
He said Zambians should not spend a lot of time on the Constitution and allow the issue to polarise the country.
“We should not lose focus on major projects and focus on one programme.  All programmes are equal in their different ways to uplift the welfare of all Zambians,” he said.
Mr Kabimba said the PF Government was the champion of the current Constitution-making process and had no intention of failing the Zambians on the delivery of a good Constitution.
“PF is not reneging on the Constitution. We shall not fail the Zambians on the Constitution, we shall do it. You are pushing an open door,” Mr Kabimba said.
He dismissed assertions that there had been conflicting sentiments by him and President Michael Sata regarding the Constitution.
“There is no political party in Parliament that has a two thirds majority, so if we are not united, the Constitution Bill will not be supported in Parliament. There are no conflicting statements at all,” he said.
He said demonising one group of people would also not give Zambians the required Constitution.
On court infrastructure, Mr Kabimba said his ministry was in the process of addressing infrastructure problems for both local and high courts.
On the Judicial Complaints Authority, Mr Kabimba urged Zambians to make use of the institution for their benefit.