Chiteme set records straight
… He says the infrastructure developments embarked by the government are meant to lay a firm foundation for national development
By Francis Maingaila
Lusaka – (23 – 10 – 18) – The ruling Patriotic Front (PF) has not only defended the ongoing infrastructure development project being undertaken by the president Edgar Lungu led government but also clarified that these project’s are intended to fill in the foundation gape left behind by the previous regimes.
Nkana PF Member of Parliament (MP) Alexander Chiteme told journalists at the PF Interactive Forum held at Chrisma Hotel on Tuesday that development could not move at the desired speed because there was no proper foundation upon which the development could stand.
Since Zambia obtained it’s independence about 54 years ago, Hon. Chiteme explained, the country has never witnessed massive infrastructure development such as the ones being under taken by this government.
Hon. Chiteme, who is also Minister of National Planning and Development said lack infrastructure development has made it impossible for the country to record the meaningful development which could have booming economic activities taking place.
According to Hon. Chiteme, Zambia could not move along with the rest of the world without first investing in various infrastructure development which has taken place since the PF formed government about 7 years ago.
Hon. Chiteme cited the creation of economic zones spread across the country, roads, schools and hospitals as the Michael desired infrastructure development which should have taken place about 50 years ago.
“If these infrastructure developments highlighted above were present, the PF government could have ventured into an aspect of developments which the people are craving today.”
What the government is doing now, Hon Chiteme explained, is to fill the remaining gapes to the economic development to fit in place.
He suggested that the job creation which some opposition Political parties are trying to take political milage could not materialise without economic activities being created in all corners of the country.
Equally, Hon Chiteme explained, without good road networks which some interest groups, including key opposition parties are claiming is draining the national treasury, the economic activities could not materialise.
He said the importance of road networks is to enable the products reach the target markets in time and that was the reason why the government has made it a priority not only to main the existing roads but also repair the damaged roads one, including construction complete new road in areas targeted for economic development.
He said the PF wants to cover all the gapes that have been identified as an obstacle in it’s quest to bring development to all parties of the country.
“The prime object of this government is to ensure that all the people including those believed to be the vulnerable to get to the income as projected in both the seventh national development plan and the vision 2030 which around the corner.
He said the got was working on modalities to cutter for the people without leaving anyone behind.
He said the has always wanted to dialogue with key stakeholders to explain the rationale behind the ambitious projects being undertaken in all parties of the country.
“But for some reasons unknown, our friends from the opposition and their allies have ways attached the desired dialogue to some form of conditions which stand to derail all the progress the country has made this far.”
He also indicated the IMF is willing to reopen the discussion after the earlier discussion stored following misinformation coming from the groups bent on wanting to turning the image of the country.
“The meeting has been set for mid November this year and we expect to see fresh decision made that will benefit the people of Zambia.”
Despite putting the negative publicity, Hon. Chiteme indicated, the government is resolved to ensure that all the projects in motion are completed within the stipulated time.
He also disclosed that arrangements are being made to put in place measures that any projects that need to be implemented undergo special scrutiny to ensure that they are viable.
He said the government will constitute a team of experts that will be tasked with the job of assessing the viability and the benefits associated to projects and investment before is implemented in Zambia.
“After completing the assessment, the team will submit a report to the ministry of National Planning Development for final scrutiny before submitting it to cabinet for approval and determine its implementation.”
He further disclosed that that the government is working round the clock to ensure the the Budgeting and the Financial Service Acts are presented to Parliament.
Furthermore, Hon Chiteme suggested that the government is working on the Statistics Bill which he said will be a source of statistical information.
“The Bill will see the creation of the Central Statistic Office Board that will make the statistical office independently.
He added that all official information regarding Zambia will come from the this CSO as approved by the board.
He said the CSO will be given special task for ensuring that all the misinformation which has flooded the country are cleared.
The CSO will also work along the Ministry of Information to counter the force information.”
Meanwhile Hon. Chiteme has consoled the people of Zambia not lose hope saying the government is working hard to ensure equalities.
He said the hope for Zambia lies in the hands of the PF because it has user friendly program of which if successfully implemented will benefit all the people.
And Hon Chiteme denied Zambia was in a serious debt crisis and was not among the six countries likely to retire into debt distress.
“There is no debt distress in Zambia because we are not among the top six countries that were assessed by the IMF and the World Bank.”
Hon Chiteme regretted the negative sentiments being spread by Zambians saying they have a lasting bearing in the economic development.