President Hakainde Hichilema has urged the newly sworn in public service officers to serve and deliver quality services to the Zambian people equitably regardless of tribe.
Mr Hichilema has called on them to work tirelessly to drive the country’s economic transformation agenda forward to better people’s livelihoods.
ZANIS reports that speaking during the swearing-in of newly public service officers who included provincial Ministers and Permanent Secretaries among others, at State House today, Mr Hichilema called for the quick implementation of projects to foster economic development.
He reminded them of the huge responsibility that has been put on their shoulders to roll out Government services fairly and equitably as a symbol to unite the nation.
“You have been entrusted by the people of Zambia to serve them above oneself, congratulations for accepting to serve in this serious obligation to work for over 19 million Zambians. You are now married to them so deliver opportunities equitably, “he said.
The President further reminded the public workers to be aware that there is nothing like minor and major tribes in Zambia as God created every human being equal in his image and that delivery of Government resources must be rolled out fairly in line with the Government’s agenda to reunite the nation.
He reiterated the need for public service workers to strive to bring Zambians together as opposed to splitting the country.
Mr Hichilema also reminded the newly sworn in public service officers to exploit the natural resources such as minerals which are found in most parts of the country and share it with provinces that do not have such endowments because they are national assets.
He added that the only thing that the country needs to do is to focus on developing the country’s economy, adding that to this end, the Government increased the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) which is distributed equitably to the rest of the country without segregation.
The President noted that now that the debt restructuring was reached, law and order has been restored and that it is now an appropriate time to shift the attention to grow the economy significantly through investing in sectors such as agriculture by buying merchandised equipment.
“Let us work and work to grow the economy and create jobs for our people, let us create business opportunities for entrepreneurs, so there is no need to abuse Government resources when we have the means to invest in agriculture and other sectors to realise meaningful social development.
Meanwhile, President Hichilema has urged the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Board Members to be investigating cases before an arrest is affected.
And ACC Board Chairperson, Evans Hamaundu has pledged to work diligently in response to the President’s directive and that he and his officers will first sit to assess how best to kick start the work.
Newly sworn in Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary, Kelvin Mambwe promised to look at the new curriculum before embarking on other equally important matters pertaining to the development of the Ministry.
Dr Mambwe paid glowing tribute to the head of State for having confidence in his capacity to contribute positively to the growth of the Ministry of Education.
Ministry of Energy Permanent Secretary in charge of electricity, Arnold Simwaba, also promised to ensure availability of electricity in the country to drive the country’s economic growth.
The newly sworn in public service officers are Luapula province Minister, is Nason Musonda, Justice Evans Hamaundu as ACC board Chairperson, Dr Kelvin Mambwe as Education Permanent Secretary, Lois Mulube as PS for Public Service Management, Mulele Mulele as Finance and National Planning Permanent Secretary, economic management.
Others are Zacharia Luhanga as Ministry of Labour and social services Permanent Secretary, Lawrence Mwanza as Copperbelt Province Permanent Secretary, Reverend Mathews Chilekwa as Muchinga Permanent Secretary and Arnold Simwaba as Energy Permanent Secretary in charge of electricity among others.
