President Edgar Lungu Officially Opens Parliament

PRESIDENT Edgar Chagwa Lungu this morning set the tone for his five year tenure noting that it will be packed with work resulting into visible actions.

Addressing the nation at the first session of the 12th National Assembly, President Lungu who mostly anchored his speech on youth development noted that he expected nothing short of exemplary work from all players.

The Head of State announced the introduction of performance based contracts for Permanent Secretaries in ministries adding that the vice would be extended to ministers and quasi government institutions.

“Mr Speaker my administration remains steadfast in transforming the public service into a professional, ethical and accountable institution delivering quality services to the people of Zambia,” President Lungu said.

“I am glad to inform this August house that Permanent Secretaries are now on Performance based contracts with clearly defined targets.”

He noted that this would result into high performance among Permanent Secretaries.

President Lungu announced that this programme would be rolled out to the rest of the public service.

The Head of State noted that development could not be spoken of without the recognition of the huge section the society whom are the youths.

“Their voices have been predominantly overlooked, our children. For a long time we have assumed that children should only be seen and not heard…we need to rethink our assumptions,” President Lungu said.

“We do not inherit our country from our forefathers or ancestors we borrow it from our children.”

He noted that the youths needed to be empowered and engaged at all levels of Zambia’s development agenda.

He said the youth needed to be included in participation of the national economy as entrepreneurs.

President Lungu said during his tenure the youths would be involved meaningfully in the development of the country.

“They will be active participants with a valuable voice and opinion in the decision making process. Including participation in policy direction,” he said.

President Lungu said his administration wanted to hand over the country to youths who would be well equipped to further take the country to forward.