By DELPHINE ZULU –

•PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu (left), First Lady Esther and ZAF Commander Eric Chimese during the ZAF annual ball at ZAF Chamba Valley Officers’ Mess on Friday evening. Picture By ROYD SIBAJENE/ZANIS

PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has commended the Zambia Air Force (ZAF) for the outstanding professional and political neutrality shown throughout the various political transformations the country has undergone.
The President urged ZAF to continue being patriotic and loyal to the nation, Constitution and the people of Zambia by placing the nation’s interest first and not self.
He said the conduct of ZAF personnel had remained above-board and was pleased to note that they were a united force that truly embodied the principle of ‘One Zambia One Nation’.
Mr Lungu, the Commander-in-Chief, also directed ZAF to promote cost-effective measures and eliminate wastage and abuse of public resources and equipment.
“As we execute our mandate, we should be cognisant that Zambia is a growing economy faced with numerous economic challenges.  I, therefore, implore you to promote cost-effective measures and eliminate wastage and abuse of public resources and equipment,” Mr Lungu said.
He further encouraged ZAF to identify nations with whom it could collaborate bilaterally to exploit their possibility of providing training of the aircrew and technical personnel.
The President was speaking at this year’s 51st ZAF annual ball at Chamba Valley officers’ mess on Friday night.
Mr Lungu also acknowledged the institution’s contribution in fostering peace, unity and prosperity by safeguarding Zambia’s territorial integrity.
He said his Government would remain resolute to improving the living standards and working conditions of ZAF personnel.
The Head of State said ZAF’s efforts in fostering peace and security had created an enabling environment for foreign and local investments in the nation and pledged his continued supportby ensuring efficient execution of duties.
Mr Lungu said the ZAF of tomorrow demanded that it adopts a new paradigm shift in resolving current and future challenges and being dynamic if it was to remain relevant to meet the emerging social, economic and security challenges faced by Zambia.
“Our immediate interventions to these challenges include the review of the conditions of service in accordance with the submissions made to the Salaries Review Commission and other relevant stakeholders,” he said.
The President said he would continue to promote inclusive growth through partnerships and joint ventures as well as fostering win-win partnerships with other technologically advanced countries so as to achieve development in the country’s civil and military aviation sectors.
The Government is also exploring innovative means of financing capital projects among other possibilities through Public Private Partnerships (PPP) in developing infrastructure development in ZAF.
Mr Lungu applauded ZAF for its massive projects embarked on as well as efforts by Air Power Ladies Club for complementing efforts through various projects including the support of air force hospital to carter for health personnel and the community.
“Our desire as Government is to revitalise Zambia Air Services Training Institute (ZASTI) in order to ensure adequate supply of human resources for the aviation industry,” he said.
ZAF commander Eric Chimese said celebrating 51 years of the air force contribution to peace and stability was a pre-requisite for creating a Smart Zambia.