Lungu fumes over delayed projects

Fri, 16 Dec 2016 08:45:09 +0000

By ANN ZULU

 PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu says he will not tolerate unnecessary delays on projects that are aimed at improving the lives of people.

President Lungu said the delays in completing the projects meant to benefit Zambians were frustrating the efforts of Government to deliver the best to the people.

President Lungu has directed Finance Minister Felix Mutati to release money to complete the projects which Government was undertaking across the country.

The Head of State disclosed this yesterday when he inspected the 133-kilo-voltage Rufunsa ZESCO sub-station, a new modern civic centre, a Government complex and housing units for police officers.

The Head of State also inspected the K596, 722 Lukwipa goat breeding centre.

Mr. Lungu regretted that all these projects were unfinished, some of which started in 2014. He said election period was over and Government must get down to work.

“Unnecessary delays in projects that improve the welfare of our people is unacceptable and won’t be tolerated,” he said.

Mr. Lungu said he would be monitoring the projects periodically (quarterly) in 2017.

On the breeding centre, the Head of State said the splitting of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock was a good move and a step in the right direction.

He said Livestock as a standalone ministry would accelerate the desired goals in addressing the challenges faced by farmers doing husbandry.

And Rufunsa district agriculture coordinator Njovu Mavula told President Lungu that the centre would be completed in February next year.

Dr. Mavula said the centre was co-funded by the Zambian Government and the World Bank.

He appealed to Government to release the remaining K81,503 for completion of the centre.

And President Lungu has said a mango processing plant should be set up at Lukwipa area in Rufunsa district.

Mr. Lungu noted that there were plenty of mangoes in the area, hence the need for a plant to be established.

Meanwhile, President Lungu has ordered Rufunsa district commissioner Judith Chama to submit a report to him next week on the high number of teenage pregnancies and early marriages.

He called for the setting up of a community radio station to be used as a sensitization platform and educating the people on the dangers of early marriages.

He said this when he addressed scores of girls and women who welcomed him in Makanda ward.