TIZ praises Lungu’s move
Published On September 22, 2015 » 1312 Views» By Administrator Times » HOME SLIDE SHOW, SHOWCASE
 0 stars
Register to vote!

TIZ 628x350By SYLVESTER MWALE, JAMES KUNDA and JULIUS PHIRI –

TRANSPARENCY International Zambia (TIZ) has paid tribute to President Edgar Lungu for demonstrating prudence in the management of national resources by abolishing the law that compels the Government to build houses for former presidents.
President Lungu directed the change of the law when he opened the Fifth Session of the 11th National Assembly last Friday as a cost-saving measure and promotion of equity among constitutional office-bearers.
The Head of State said the forfeiture of the house should start with him when he leaves office.
TIZ executive director Goodwell Lungu said in a statement in Lusaka yesterday that Mr Lungu noted that the move would help to save public resources.
“As TIZ we feel he (President Lungu) has demonstrated a good sense of saving public resources although this move has been watered down by the creation of five more ministries.
“On the part of TIZ, we promise the President that we shall not hesitate to recommend to his office, Government officials who abuse their offices and are involved in corruption for their dismissal in accordance with his able pronouncements,” he said.
He also welcomed President Lungu’s commitment to combat corruption.
This followed the President’s announcement that his Government would continue with the fight against corruption while the Head of State would not protect any public officer found wanting.
The Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) added praise on President Lungu’s call for punctuality among public workers to enhance productivity in the civil service.
ZCTU secretary general Cosmas Mukuka said in an interview in Lusaka yesterday that the President’s directive would promote an effective work culture among public service workers.
The President lamented that unpunctuality was counterproductive and limited the effectiveness of the public service.
“The President was on point with that statement and this is why we have been categorical in calling for capacity building among public service heads to ensure that issues that are counterproductive like late-coming are dealt with effectively,” he said.
In a similar move, the Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) described President Lungu’s speech to be inspiring as it demonstrated the Government’s commitment and outlined strategies to address various challenges slowing down economic growth.
CSPR civic participation and advocacy programme officer Maxson Nkhoma said this in a statement yesterday.
“The speech resonated well with a number of expectations and proposals which CSPR and other interest groups have been submitting to the Government for consideration,” Mr Nkhoma said.
He said CSPR was pleased that the Head of State had made bold steps to include their recommendations in Government plans in pursuit of national growth.

Share this post
Tags

About The Author