Lungu clarifies splitting of some government Ministries

-President Edgar Lungu has clarified that the splitting of some government Ministries is intended to enhance efficiency in the delivery of services.

 

And  the Head of State says he will not hesitate to consult  former Heads of State ion matter of good governance of the country.

 

 

Speaking in an exclusive interview with ZANIS, shortly before departure to Lusaka from Mfuwe international airport today, President Lungu said the move was not intended to create employment for those who supported him prior to the January 20 Presidential election but to improve the delivery of services among Government Ministries.

 

 

He stated that he saw nothing wrong with creation of jobs if it was intended to enhance operations of the Ministries.

 

 

The Head of State observed that the mix of energy and mining had not gone well but noted that it was debatable adding that if he could be convinced otherwise he would rescind the decision as it was only his thought.

 

 

President Lungu said that he would consult over his idea to split the ministries and forward his proposal to cabinet for deliberations.

 

 

President Lungu said the idea was to improve efficiency in the delivery of services to the people of Zambia.

 

 

And  the Head of State says he will not hesitate to consult  former Heads of State ion matter of good governance of the country.

 

 

Asked to comment on allegations that former President Rupiah Banda is the one calling the shots in the governance of the country, the head of State said he made it clear that he would consult on issues of governance.

 

 

“Zambia is lucky to have two former Heads of State who are still alive because the two can provide consultancy to the current Government, so, I am consulting both Mr Banda and Dr. Kaunda but it doesn’t mean I should agree with everything they say. Am not a stooge and those who think am a stooge should watch this space,” he said.

 

 

Mr Lungu said that Mr Banda and Dr. Kaunda were free to give counsel and that he remained free to consult when need arose.

 

 

On growing concerns that the fall in fuel prices had not helped reduces the commodity prices, President Lungu said people should be patient as the effects of the reduction in the commodity would be seen.

 

 

“There ripple effects of the reduction that do not come immediately but will take time, the move to reduce the price was well intended though I know there is some resistance,” he said.

 

 

Earlier, when he addressed resident of Mambwe district, President Lungu re-echoed his calls for the indigenous people to participate in the tourism sector.

 

 

Mr Lungu said there was need to ensure that the locals derive maximum benefits from the wildlife reserves in the South Luangwa National Park.

 

 

President Lungu said local people should not engage in poaching but should co-exist even with investors in the tourism sector.

 

 

 

The Head of State was accompanied by his wife Esther, Justice Minister Ngosa Simbyakula, PF Secretary General Davies Chama among others.

 

 

 

Eastern Province Permanent Secretary Chileshe  Mulenga, Assistant Secretary Beenzu Chikuba, PF Provincial chairperson Attany Mwamba and several other Government and Party officials were among the people who were at the airport to see the President off.

 

 

President Lungu was on a seven working holiday in Mfuwe, Eastern Province.