Sata urges Zambians not to be partisan on constitution making process

President Michael Sata has advised all Zambians to divorce partisan and personal interests from the constitution making process in order for them to ensure that they leave a credible legacy for many generations to come.

The President reported that government has received the draft constitution and is in the process of guiding the nation on the next course of action.

This is contained in a speech he delivered when he officially opened the fourth session of the 11th National Assembly at parliament building in Lusaka today.

He stressed that government remains committed to promoting democracy and good governance which he said were fundamental to creating, securing and maintaining a just Zambia.

Mr. Sata said this was why government embarked on a review of the country’s legal and justice system, which began with the constitution.

And President Sata said the prevalence of gender based violence (GBV) is unacceptable, adding that child pregnancies and early marriages remain a challenge in the country.

He said government will continue to put in place stringent measures to protect women and children from all forms of abuse.

He said government has appointed and maintained a high number of women in leadership and decision making positions to ensure gender equity in the development process.

The President has since encouraged the womenfolk to stand up and be counted, saying there was still room for their participation in the leadership of the country.

Meanwhile, the Head of State disclosed that all the 32 newly created districts have now been fully operationalized.

He said the construction of infrastructure has started in five of the districts, including the upgrading of infrastructure in Choma and Chinsali as new provincial headquarters of Southern and Muchinga provinces respectively.

Mr. Sata added that construction of district offices and other infrastructure in the remaining 27 districts will commence before the end of the year.

He said government remains committed to improving the standard of living of the people in rural areas by accelerating service delivery.