Mufulira’s Patriotic Front (PF) Kantanshi Member of Parliament Dr. Anthony Chanda Mumba has challenged the New Dawn Government to explain the benefits of the numerous trips President Hakainde Hichilema has been undertaking.
Dr. Mumba said President Hichilema has undertaken over 30 international trips since taking over as 7th Republican President in August 2021.
He said the presidential trips are unique and it is incumbent upon the Government to always explain to the people of Zambia the anticipated opportunities that may arise from these trips.
“The President has undertaken over 30 international trips since taking over as 7th Republican President. All these trips are unique and it is incumbent upon the Government to always explain to the people of Zambia the anticipated opportunities that may arise from these trips ranging from Job creation, infrastructure development, Trade, Finance as well as attracting Foreign Direct Investments. But guess what, this Government fails to communicate to the people of Zambia and in the process our people are lost in trying to understand Presidential trips, government programmes and so on,” Dr. Mumba said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Mumba said it is shocking that the government is silent about the upcoming Democracy Summit which will attract a number of countries including the Vice President of the United States of America Kamala D. Harris.
The Kantanshi lawmaker said he is hoping the government will improve communication especially in Parliament.
“Can you imagine next week on the 29th- 30th March we are Co- Hosting the Democracy Summit which will attract a number of countries including the Vice President of United States of America Kamala D. Harris coming from the biggest economy in the world but the New Dawn is “Silent” with no mention of any opportunities that may arise for the Zambian people. This could be business opportunities like hire of vehicles, supply of stationary, accommodation just to mention a few. What about the sideline meetings for Trade and Finance, Climate Change etc.Any way I hope they pull up their socks and communicate more especially in the People’s House the National Assembly. God Bless you,” Dr. Mumba said.
Zambia will on 29th and 30th March, 2023 co-host the second Summit for Democracy where 16 African countries are expected to participate.
Zambia will co-host the Summit with the United States of America, Costa Rica, the Netherlands and the Republic of Korea.
Speaking to journalists in Lusaka, Justice Minister Mulambo Haimbe said the 16 African countries that are expected to participate in the Summit include among others Angola, Botswana, Cape Verde and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Others are Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia and Niger.
Mr. Haimbe said the Summit will be held under the theme ‘Free, Fair and Transparent elections in Africa’.
He explained that the objective of the second summit for Democracy is to underscore the global desire for Transparent, Accountable and Rights-Respecting Governance.
Mr. Haimbe noted that Zambia’s selection as host for the African region of the Summit comes against the background of the country’s strong commitment to the principles of Democratic Governance, respect for the rule of law and human rights.