Kampyongo received 3 cars for awarding US$42 million fire truck deal to Grandview
Chishimba Kambwili
The saga involving the 42 fire engines government purchased at a staggering US$42 million has deepened with former minister Chishimba Kambwili alleging that Stephen Kampyongo was given three vehicles as a reward for signing the $42 million fire truck deal when he was Minister of Local Government.
“$42 million dollars for 42 fire engines is pure daylight robbery, Honourable Stephen Kampyongo must tell the nation why Cabinet and President Lungu had no idea that such a massive figure $42 million was spent on irrelevant fire engines when Hospitals have no drugs and civil servants where not getting paid on time in 2015. Kampyongo was the Minister in charge at the time and must tell the nation why he accepted 3 brand new vehicles (Toyota Hilux, Range Rover and Toyota Landcruiser VX) as a vote of thanks for signing that lucrative deal,” The Roan PF Member of Parliament posted on his Facebook page yesterday.
Kambwili added: “This is not my fight, this our fight, this is your money and you need to take a stand against this broad day light robbery.”
On Tuesday, when Kambwili made the same accusation in Parliament, Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Matibini stopped him from accusing people who were not present in the House to defend themselves.
“Honourable member for Roan, you know very well that you cannot drag people into your debate who do not have the privilege of immunity. They are not here to defend themselves. Just ask your question, what was your question?” Speaker Matibini told him.
Meanwhile, musician Pilato has written to police in Lusaka notifying them of a planned protest at parliament against abuse of public resources.
The controversial artiste says the the protest would be held on September 29, adding that the march was an opportunity for every well -meaning Zambian to stand up and speak out.
“Every working Zambian must say no to abuse of their taxes. Friday next week on 29th September, we march to Parliament. Dress code: Red, Green, Black and Orange,” said Pilato.
Laura Miti’s Alliance for Community Action has also notified police of its intention to hold a peaceful protest on September 29 at Parliament against the government’s purchase of 42 fire tenders at a cost of $42 million.