By CHILA NAMAIKO –
in Chama
PRESIDENT Lungu has warned that he will dismiss non-performing civil servants, including Cabinet ministers frustrating his efforts of implementing development programmes.
Mr Lungu said he was in a hurry to deliver infrastructure projects in accordance with the promises of the Patriotic Front (PF) to uplift the welfare of all Zambians.
The Head of State was not happy that despite contractors receiving funds, some projects took longer to complete owing to the failure by civil servants to supervise the works.
“I think going forward we need to get rid of non-performing civil servants.
“There is no way the connection of water and electricity can delay the commissioning of this important health facility because people want to start accessing health services,” he said.
The President sounded the warning in Chama, Muchinga Province, yesterday when he inspected the district hospital being constructed by Mango Tree Company.
The hospital, whose construction started in 2009, has been completed, but could not be commissioned because water and electricity have not been connected to the facility.
Mr Lungu has since given the provincial administration and the contractor a two-month ultimatum to connect water and electricity or face punitive action.
Mr Lungu, who was accompanied by Finance Deputy Minister Christopher Mvunga, State House Minister Mulenga Sata and PF deputy secretary general Mumbi Phiri, warned that he would not hesitate to dismiss those undermining his authority.
Chama District medical officer Antonio Kamanzi informed the President that the commissioning of the new hospital was delayed due to a lack of water and electricity.
Dr Kamanzi said the contractor could not hand over the hospital to the Government when it lacked water and electricity.
Provincial Minister Mwimba Malama assured the Head of State that he would ensure the water and power utilities connected the missing services to the hospital.
The President later inspected the Chama-Matumbo Road under construction by China Civil Company and was happy with the progress made.
He said the road would spur economic development and increase trade, while creating employment opportunities.
