Parley approves new ministries

…as MPs get divided over cost and timing with Government arguing that the restructuring will drive the Grow Zambia Agenda By NATION REPORTER PARLIAMENT yesterday approved President Hakainde Hichilema’s proposal for the dissolution, realignment and establishment of Government ministries and departments, with Members of Parliament asking whether the changes would strengthen the Grow Zambia Agenda or increase the cost of running Government. Vice President Mutale Nalumango, who moved the motion in accordance with Article 92(2)(d) of the Constitution, said the restructuring was intended to create a public service capable of growing and improving the economy. But Shiwang’andu MP Stephen Kampyongo questioned the need for additional ministries, saying Government had previously sought to create a lean and cost-effective public service. Mr Kampyongo, a former Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister, said when a similar motion was brought before Parliament in 2021, by the same Vice President, Government also established the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU) to monitor implementation and drive results. “They even created the Presidential Delivery Unit to enforce weekly checking and drive results without creating new layers of problems. We would have loved to hear the shortcomings of the PDU to necessitate the creation of these new ministries,” he said. Mr Kampyongo also questioned the timing of the restructuring, saying Parliament was yet to deal with a supplementary budget amid concerns over expenditure. “The Grow Zambia Agenda which the President has spoken about requires that we galvanise and channel resources to growth centres, and this Friday the Minister is supposed to bring his supplementary budget because the current budget does not provide for this fiscal year,” he said. Mr Kampyongo said Government should “cut the cloth according to its size” and questioned how the new ministries would contribute to revenue collection. However, Monze East MP Jack Mwiimbu supported the restructuring, saying the proposals were consistent with the President’s vision and could address longstanding development challenges. Mr Mwiimbu said the proposed Ministry of Housing was particularly important because Zambia had a significant housing deficit. “The Ministry of Housing will improve shanty townships and, as a result of unplanned building, we have been having outbreaks of diseases,” he said. Bwana Mkubwa MP Warren Mwambazi said increased electricity generation was necessary to support trade and economic growth, while Nalolo MP Imanga Wamunyima backed the proposed Ministry of Electricity as essential to achieving the Grow Zambia Agenda. Ms Nalumango defended the proposal, saying the country’s electricity needs and costs had changed significantly. “Electricity yesterday is not electricity today,” she said. The Vice President said the cost of power was among the factors necessitating the creation of a dedicated Ministry of Electricity. Ms Nalumango maintained that the restructuring was intended to position Government to respond more effectively to current economic and development challenges. ENDS

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