Dear Editor,
TODAY, August 24, 2021, is the day that the democratic process is taking its course, the end of the Edgar Chagwa Lungu Presidency and the beginning of the Hakainde Hichilema era.
As a person who actively supported President Lungu’s candidature both in 2015, 2016 and 2021, I was of the opinion that he should have been allowed to finish his plans he had, however, the democratic process demands that the views of the majority should prevail.
While ECL era is coming to an end today, I wish to highlight the notable achievements that the nation has witnessed with him at the helm.
The nation has seen 1, 000, 000 farmers have already been put on FISP and ECL envisioned the prospect of having 1, 000, 000 benchmark being maintained in every five years.
In the area of social protection, the number of Social Cash Transfer beneficiaries has been increased to 700, 000.
The mining population have had their jobs threatened in the mining sector and with his consistent protectionist policies and interventions and policies, and as of today, 30, 000 miners have returned back to work and paid their accrued benefits.
The government increased its stake in Mopani Copper Mines, a move which has saved the jobs which were at the verge of being lost.
The health sector which has also been at the receiving end has seen the employment of over 20, 000 health workers in the 559 constructed health posts and over 100 district hospitals.
As regards information technology, the nation has seen 800 Communication Towers and the 1, 000 planned by the PF government will depend on the political will of the UPND administration for them to be actualised.
Additionally, infrastructure developmental programmes have seen many sectors benefitting including 7, 000km of roads done, 2, 350 houses done for the police done and two major airports done in Lusaka and Ndola.
In the energy sector, the PF administration led by President Lungu has seen the commissioning of the hydro power stations and the recent to be commissioned is the Kafue Hydro Power Station valued at US$2 billion whose construction started on November 29, 2015.
As Mr Hichilema takes over, ours is to see continuity of President Lungu’s development trajectory. To President Lungu we are very proud of your achievements as your tour of duty comes to an end.
We wish you a dignified retirement and you are a symbol of statesmanship.
MARVIN CHANDA MBERI,
Lusaka.
