TODAY'S LETTERS

Fri, 02 Dec 2016 12:59:20 +0000

President Lungu spot on

Dear Editor,

I write to commend President Lungu for coming out openly to state and mention that all arms of Government are prone to criticism, Judiciary inclusive.

It has also been good for him to mention that, however, criticism should not be of hate but to build the nation regardless of where it is coming from.

He actually acknowledges that he has been criticised himself many times and takes no offence at all.

Those in the habit of criticising should, therefore, do so with alternatives and without hate for the sake of building our democracy. It is for that reason that he has asked for re-airing of the ‘Sunday Interview’ programme featuring his special assistant for press and public relations Amos Chanda on Thursday 1st December, 2016 by ZNBC for him to get to the depth of why some sections of society have attacked his  press aide over his utterances about the Judiciary.

Criticism is actually healthy and normal in every society as a basis of offering checks and balances. What is bad though is always to dwell on hate criticism and speech.

We all have the responsibility to grow our democracy through progressive criticism if ever and when need be.

Wisdom Muyunda

CHINGOLA 

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IS LAZ REALLY IN LOVE WITH UPND

Dear Editor,

That our LAZ is pro-UPND is probably an understatement because all indications point to the fact that, in fact, our law association is a true and holy arm of UPND.

LAZ management may rebuff this, which is of course normal but their actions speak louder than words. Take LAZ latest press briefing, why was it streamed live on UPND president Hakainde Hichilema’s Facebook page?

Was the choice and action by LAZ a sheer quirk or well planned move? This certainly boggles the mind.

It is such happenings that bring about high misgivings and correctly so.

LAZ which should be on top of things by making sure that our laws are followed to the letter,  is now being seen and accused of  playing bigoted games.

For now I will support those views  seeking to establish a parallel law body in Zambia because LAZ in its current form will not deliver.

True Mr Hichilema went berserk insulting men and women of the courts who he called thugs and criminals, especially those at the ConCourt. LAZ was all smiles and did nothing to condemn HH. Why?

The answer is probably in the question because they say if a mind doubts itself, it will look outwards to fill that void…outwards being other people.

If a person drops the responsibility of thinking for themselves and judging for themselves, in a sense, one can say that they are running away from themselves.

LAZ can do better than this but if it has chosen to work with the opposition ONLY then it will constantly become a drumbeat of massive criticism of its own making.

LAZ is supposed to be custodians of our Constitution but sadly it is in the forefront reaping it left, right and centre, all for political expedience.

For now, I am an extremely worried citizen.

Jay Kabemba, LUSAKA

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Ward development committees are non-partisan

Dear Editor,

I write with a heavy heart to note that there has been a lot of in-fighting for positions in Ward Development Committee elections across Zambia among political parties.

These committees were formulated on a non- partisan platform and anyone perceived to actively belong to a political party is thus disqualified.

However, it has become a challenge for most councils countrywide to know who belongs to which party from various applicants, creating a very unhealthy scenario even calling for punches.

The WDC are meant to foster development in wards after the Residents Development Committees were abolished citing political patronage.

It is a pity that the same scenario seems to be repeating itself with WDCs where each political party wants to have its people on the committee.

I, therefore, appeal to the relevant ministry to take keen interest in this matter and see to it that these committees serve the intended purposes and not for political mileage.

The WDCs are supposed to be the custodians of developmental programs in various wards across the country of about 14 million people plus.

If not critically monitored and supervised, these Ward Development Committees will be more of a disaster and worse off than the Resident Development Committees.

The Government’s intention about their formulation is well intended. Alas, the animal in man wants to destroy it.

Concerned citizen

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New  blood in ZESCO  needed

Editor,

The current ZESCO management has got too many excuses on the current load shedding. 

They are in those positions to find solutions and not excuses. Also, let Government follow up on the contractor and find out why the street lights on Commonwealth Road in Matero and Great East Road have not been functional.

Was that just a campaign gimmick for the ruling government to woo votes from the electorate?

After that, problems started with the street lights where only half would be on and the others would be off.

As for Great East Road, the light have not been turned on. Should we then the electorate conclude that our vote and voice was and is just DUNUNA REGRET?

Troy Mukupa