ECL ‘alebwelelapo’, he deserves to be re-elected
Dear Editor,
PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu first appeared on the ballot in 2015 as a little known contender with his promise to restore stability in the nation that was grieving the untimely death of President Michael Sata fondly known as “King Cobra.” Mr Lungu was elected to finish the remainder of President Sata’s term with the promise to launch the road to recovery as the nation had untold misery nearly in all sectors of the economy.
For instance, in the agriculture sector, it was restarting to control the price of various food stuffs and essential commodities which had risen exponentially following the removal of subsidies that had stabilised their prices.
It was also at that moment that the government was troubled with the burden of financial resource mobilisation to support the massive capital intensive infrastructure projects that were taking place in different sectors of the economy.
The other challenge ahead of President Lungu was the need to diversify the economy mostly the agriculture sector which had maize as the major agricultural produce.
This was the sure way that would create sustainable income and jobs for the nation’s productive population.
The diversification process of the agriculture sector was done through the institutional reforms in the line ministry which saw the birth of a new ministry to be responsible for Fisheries and Livestock.
The other legacy of President Lungu was his protectionist approach toward the local people and the local economy.
Notably among them was the 20 percent subcontracting policy for construction works, a deliberate effort meant to empower Zambians. In 2021, this has been promulgated to have the force of law and going forward all works and contracts will be given to Zambians except where Zambians have no ability to do the work or deliver the government services.
President Lungu has protected the local jobs through the takeover of Mopani Copper Mines (MCM) which has prevented potential job losses and the commencement of the liquidation process of Vedanta Resources Limited owing to its failure to honour contractual obligations with the holding company Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines – Investment Holdings (ZCCM-IH).
The purchasing of gold as a strategic reserve by the Bank of Zambia is another protectionist approach of President Lungu which is a long term intervention to deal with the depreciation of the Kwacha.
This is in addition to compelling mining houses to make their tax payment in Dollars a measure which will make foreign currency readily available.
Zambians should continue trusting in President Lungu as he has built himself a rich legacy as a leader who endured the storm for the sake of the nation’s future.
Zambia is not in need of any change to reverse the progress we have made, Zambia is in need of continuity with the policies which have defined President Lungu’s legacy.
MARVIN CHANDA MBERI,
Kitwe.
Author
