The Grand Coalition on a People Driven Constitution says the K29 million allocated to the constitution process in the 2015 budget shows that the PF government has no intention of releasing the document to the public.
Speaking in an interview shortly after the 2015 budget presentation by Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda Grand Coalition Vice Chairperson Beatrice Grillo said though they have not seen the breakdown of the 29 million the resources where meagre compared to the works that needs to be done on the process.
“Our immediate reaction to the 29 million allocated to the constitution making process is that it shows that the government is not serious with giving the people a People Driven Constitution because you can not say K29 million will give the people what they want as you know the last process was over 100 millon and government has been talking about releasing the constitution for people to debate so what is that 29 going to do,” Ms. Grillo said.
She added: ” the K29 million might not even be enough to print the document for the public to see what is contained in the draft document so we will issue a comprehensive statement after we see the yellow book but for now we feel the 29 million shows lack of interest in releasing the document on the part of government.”
Meanwhile, Ms. Grillo has challenged the PF government to tell the nation how much has been spent on the constitution making process since the process started after the PF went into office.
She noted that no one in government has explained how the money being allocated to the constitution making is being used though every year money is being allocated towards finalizing process.
“One of the things that the government has been saying is that there is no money but we haven’t been told where the 40million which was allocated for this year has gone.
“No one in government has explained to us where the money was used. Are they going to tell us that it went to this and this and that or is it part of what the technical committee used or what? There is no clear answer and I don’t think there is anybody in government who has come out to explain about this issue,” she said.
…lnfact its supposed to zero……..let the K29m be transferred to ministry of education or health…..
Its becoming unwise to talk about the new constitution under PF regime.To any level headed analyst-the issue isn’t there & its a sheer waste of time & resources to devote yourself or engage oneself to the new constitution with PF in its current form & on what they know better-stealing & lies.What Zambians need right now is an anarchical bloody revolution demand for their new constitution.Let our stop day dreaming & hallucinating for a new constitution under PF regime!One need not to be a sky rocket scientist on PF programmes.Once beaten twice shine! You fake NGOs-you have failed us.Go back to your draing board immediately or shut up!
I agree with Scrutiizer. K29million just for sitting an talking non-sense! Looks like people want to cash in from te contitution makig process but we will not allow that. If it is the printing that worried Grillo we can find cheaper means. if fact i do not see anything seroiusly rong with the current constitution. All we need if an enabling nvironment to do business and make money.
Silly Elijah, the reason why the western world is better off is coz they made a people’s driven constitutions,the Modern constitution is the enabling tool. Our current constitution was for colonial governors , it gave them altumate power to control the colonies by allowing certain organs of government dictate so police, executive do whatever they wish without a balanced view or wish of the majority. Making district, changing public transport fleet colour, naming public institutions/roads , appointment of PS army/police/ZRA/ Parastatals such things happen coz of old suppressive constitutions. Like in the states Obama couldn’t just change things coz the laws there stands for the majority not individual’s interests.
It’s simple logical sense than common one.With a modern constitutions chief justice/ PS/police/army/ Parastatal chiefs/CEO will be appointed by independent boards of experts making our rule of law stronger hence depending human rights and promoting integrity thereby fighting corruption effectively.
U can put as much money u want but with out a balanced constitution u won’t attain maximum goals.
A rotten government clinging only to a rotten constitution by stifling the constitution making process. These are kicks of a dying horse.
We shall continue playing this music regarding the NEW CONSTITUTION until these zombies too start dancing to it.
Kenneth Kaunda held Zambians hostage for 27 years. But it was all a matter of time. Eventually he did succumb to the pressure and relinquished the presidency. That is the power of the people! The New Constitution will one day be the constitution of Zambia. The devil can go and hang himself, if he wants.
They want to EAT. Just because it was 100 million previously doesn’t mean it should increase. There must be a more efficient way of doing things at a fraction of the previous cost. Why do these NGOs specialize in only complaining without even tangible justification for their costs? This might just be time for the puke bucket again…