Luapula group defends Avic International

Thu, 15 Feb 2018 10:24:51 +0000

By PRINCE CHIBAWAH

ALLIANCE for Luapula Young Entrepreneurs (ALYE) says it is disturbed by attacks being directed at certain foreign companies because of their association with the Patriotic Front government.

ALYE executive director, Edwin Nyirongo cited Avic International as being among the companies that had suffered unfounded accusations.

Mr Nyirongo was commenting on reports circulating mostly on social media that PF government has connived with Avic International to amass public funds through corrupt activities.

In an interview yesterday, Mr Nyirongo said it was hard to believe such reports because they lacked evidence.

Mr Nyirongo said youths in Luapula would stand for individuals and companies that were being victimised for merely associating themselves with President Edgar Lungu’s administration.

“We believe some elements have been sponsored by critics of President Edgar Lungu to scandalise foreign firms that are working with government.”

Mr Nyirongo challenged those with information about the purported corrupt activities involving government and Avic to report to the police.

“We know they will not dare do that because they have no evidence to back their claims. The law is clear: those who accuse must be ready to prove,” said Mr Nyirongo. He said the only thing Avic International had done was the fact that the company had been working well with the PF government which the sponsors of such attacks had been attempting to remove using any possible means. He said it was unfortunate that even some Zambians had allowed to be used to discredit Avic International over a few coins.

“We are disappointed with the manoeuvres of these unpatriotic elements who we suspect have been paid by some power hungry politicians whose aim is to condemn whatever or whoever is working with government.”

He said Avic International had made positive contributions towards the development of Zambia. “Avic has performed tremendously well in terms of implementation of public projects. In Luapula Province, for instance, Avic has constructed a good number of roads apart from creating several jobs for the locals. The company deserves kudos from Zambians. Some projects which have been perfectly delivered by Avic could have been a different story if they had been awarded to poor performing contractors,” Mr Nyirongo.