By NATION REPORTER
PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has admitted the economic woes the Copperbelt Province has been enduring in the last two years but has reiterated his resolve to ensure the copper-rich region is economically resuscitated under his leadership.
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And President Hichilema has admitted the challenges Zambia has been facing in procuring medicines.
Arriving at the Parliament with the presidential ceremonial escort in pomp and splendour, in the company of the First Lady, Mutinta and Service Chiefs, the Head of State called on the legislature to help his administration to spur economic growth by coming up with good laws.
Addressing the House for the third time since he ascended to power in 2021, President Hichilema assured the nation that the new dawn administration would face the economic challenges head-on.
The theme of his address was: ìBuilding on the socio-economic gains for improved livelihoods and a better Zambia.î
“We share the pain and frustrations of the people on the Copperbelt. Our two years in office confirms to us that development is not a straight forward journey, but we are determined to ensure that all we have envisioned will be fulfilled. We thank our citizens for the resilience and the support they have rendered to us during the period,” President Hichilema said.
Touching on various sectors of such as governance and corruption, health, mining, agriculture, education, sports, infrastructure and environment among others, the head of State said he was going to get his hands dirty so that the nation could achieve economic prosperity.
Mr. Hichilema said in 2021, his administration committed to turning around the economy and setting the country on a course towards prosperity.
The head of State said the UPND government believed that mining should be done at the mines and not in the courts of law hence the decision to allow Vedanta back in the country.
Mr. Hichilema said Vendanta Resources had agreed and committed US$1 billion investment in Konkola Copper Mine (KCM) development.
“We reassure our citizens that government is working hard to resolve all the outstanding issues at all the mines, including Mopani Copper Mines,” he said.
The President said to ensure an attractive mining sector for increased investment and output, his administration was undertaking regulatory and structural reforms that would contribute to the increase and diversification of mineral production in the country.
President Hichilema said government would be establishing a minerals regulatory commission to superintend over the sector, promote investments and ensure the country gets maximum benefit from its mineral resources.
“Despite the tough journey, the country is now on the path to attaining our aspirations enshrined in the national vision 2030, of becoming a prosperous middle-income country. Our focus today, is on the achievements made so far in ensuring a brighter future,” President Hichilema said.
At the end of the address, President Hichilema took time to chat with the Leader of the Opposition Brian Mundubile, PF Lunte MP Mutotwe Kafwaya and his counterpart from Pambashe Ronald Chitotela.
And President Hichilema has acknowledged the challenges Zambia has been facing in procuring medicines.
Speaking when he officially opened the 3rd session of the 13th National Assembly, Mr. Hichilema said there have been problems with the procurement processes of medicines for the country, but something will be done to harmonise the situation.
Mr. Hichilema said government would start streamlining the procurement of essential medicines strategically by engaging sources and producers of medicines.
“In addition, we will promote the local production of medicines, by encouraging them to produce essential medicines within our country,” the President said; “We should acknowledge and accept that the procurement of essential medicines has been a challenge. We have to accept it.”
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