By MUKWIMA CHILALA
STATE House has no hand in the arrest of people who were in the previous Government, Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations, Anthony Bwalya has said.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lusaka yesterday, Mr Bwalya said the allegations, suggesting that State House orchestrated the recent arrests of former senior Government officials in the PF regime were false.
He said President Hakainde Hichilema had made it clear that law enforcement agencies would operate independently and without interference from the government.
Mr Bwalya said the new dawn administration had since allowed the law enforcement agencies to carry out their duties professionally. “Those assertions are falsehoods, State House has no hand in the arrest,” Mr Bwalya.
He however said Government would support the law enforcement agencies to fulfil their constitutional obligations.
Meanwhile, Mr Bwalya said that the 2022 national budget would not add to the accumulation of the debt which Zambia was grappling with.
He described the 2022 national budget as transformative and one which would trigger remarkable economic development.
Mr Bwalya said the proposed 2022 national budget was transformative and plans to revive the country’s economy and improve the lives of people through better access to education and health among others.
He explained that the increase in the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) was aimed at taking development closer to the people and not lamping the responsibility with Members of Parliament
He also said that President Hakainde Hichilema in his engagement with the Eurobond holders and creditors assured them that Government would not fall back on its debt obligation.
He said the President in the company of his ministers has been meeting high profile global business and political leaders where the prominent issue is on the use of technology to enhance response to climate change.
Mr Bwalya said the President made assurance during his meeting with Eurobond holders in London this week.
He further explained that Government would put a stop to reckless borrowing, but only borrow to refine the current debt stock, as well as avoid a crisis that might arise if nothing is done.
