By YANDE SYAMPEYO
GOVERNMENT says it has a clear road map for developing the country and has dispelled assertions by the MMD that it is operating in an unplanned and disorganised manner.
Chief government spokesperson Kennedy Sakeni said the mission of President Sata’s administration is to create a better and prosperous Zambia.
Mr Sakeni said this in a statement released in Lusaka yesterday.
He was reacting to MMD director for communications Muhabi Lungu who was yesterday reported to have alleged that Government is broke, hence its decision to remove subsidies on maize and fuel.
But Mr Sakeni said Government programmes are running normally as budgeted.
“Government is, however not surprised that the MMD wants the subsidies on maize and fuel back as they were the major beneficiaries of the facility, at the expense of the poor and marginalised in society,” Mr Sakeni said.
He said all development programmes and projects being undertaken are not an “afterthought”.
“The projects are premised on a well-defined party manifesto upon which the people of Zambia elected us into office in 2011.
To this effect, we have embarked on a rigorous and robust national development programme to deepen the country’s democracy and improve living standards,” he said.
Mr Sakeni said President Sata’s administration is close to achieving a people-driven constitution as it promised Zambians.
“The technical committee drafting the Zambian constitution is expected to release the draft republican constitution at the end of this month,” Mr Sakeni said.
He said the draft constitution will be released simultaneously to Government and members of the public, which he described as a signal of Government’s commitment to a transparent and people-driven constitution-making process.
Mr Sakeni also said Government has revitalised the fight against corruption which has resulted in renewed donor and investor confidence.
“An example of this is Zambia’s nomination as one of the top contenders for the prestigious award for the Best Sovereign Bond Issuance by the Europe Middle-East and Africa Finance Magazine whose awards presentation ceremony is scheduled for London next week,” Mr Sakeni said.
He said Government has accelerated the pace of devolving power to the people with over 2,000 jobs being created in the newly created 29 districts across the country.
Road construction under the Link Zambia 8,000 is on course along with various other infrastructure developments such as schools and hospitals countrywide.
“In the media sector, the Independent Broadcasting Authority which delayed for many years under the previous Government is now operational,” he said.
The Access to Information Bill is due for presentation to Parliament, which resumes sitting next week.
“These are tangible developments which show that this Government is on a clear and consistent path to the development of the country,” he said.
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