PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema says under his leadership, only hard work remains the source of wealth and livelihood in Zambia and that there shall be no shortcuts.
Speaking when he officially opened the second session of the 13th National Assembly on Friday, President Hichilema recalled that just over a year ago, Zambians overwhelmingly voted for him and other UPND officials to preside over national affairs.
“We promised to fix the economy and we are on course – we are managing the debt situation, managing the resilience of our local currency, we are containing inflation, as well as restoring macro-economic stability,” President Hichilema said.
“We promised free education for our children and we have delivered. Now education is no longer a preserve of those with money – we are determined to keep it that way.”
He added that: “we promised to increase Constituency Development Fund – we have increased it exponentially, thereby putting our citizens back at the heart and centre of community development.”
“The teething problems [of CDF] are being addressed,” he said.
President Hichilema also indicated that he promised to fight corruption, once elected as President and that his administration is now fighting corruption.
“You will see what happens going forward; in the next few months,” President Hichilema said.
“We promised to bring to an end the brutality of political cadres in our markets, in our bus stops and other public places – law and order has been restored and our people are now free to mingle,”
They can wear any colour of a shirt or a dress; nothing will happen to them. If a little shame is what helps [to those who promoted political hooliganism], please, let’s have a bit of shame.”
President Hichilema emphasised that: “we have a duty to unite this country.”
“[We have] a duty to embrace values that promote peace and unity, saluting the good in others, irrespective of their culture, traditions and status in society – a duty to remain united under our motto of One Zambia, One Nation – one people motto,” President Hichilema said.
“This is our cherished commitment; this is our noble mission. This is our narrative; rising above our challenges in pursuit of a better Zambia for all – a free, fair and productive nation.”
The President further stressed that: “under our leadership, only hard work remains the source of wealth and livelihood in all corners of our country – no shortcuts.”
“Together, 19 million people, we must share this value. No one should say I don’t agree. [There shall be] no stealing – small or large, in darkness or during the day. No corruption. No tantameni. No ka sumfing,” said President Hichilema.
Kalemba September 13, 2022
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