President Edgar Lungu has called for hard work among Zambians if the country is to attain economic independence.
The President says it is only through economic independence that the country will liberate itself from outside interference.
President Lungu notes that Zambia is politically strong but remains economically weak.
The President says he will not bow down to maneuvers by some foreign powers that want to re-colonise the country
President Lungu was speaking to journalists in Kawambwa in an interview after inspecting the Kala Barracks the special unit Marine 48 of the Zambia Army
He said the country has abundant resources hence the need to grow enough food for consumption and exports.
The President said no one will respect a country which continues to depend on handouts.
He said it is imperative that every one begins to generate wealth by way of engaging in small scale agricultural activities.
President Lungu commended the Zambia Army for diversifying their activities into the agriculture sector.
He said the army is now able to grow more crops to feed its staff.
Meanwhile, President Lungu said his administration has remained true to its promises.
President Lungu said he will continue to physically tour the country to see for himself that development is being delivered.
Meanwhile,President Lungu has called for the harmonization of workers’ conditions of service in the construction sector.
The President says it is unfair for workers in the sector to have varying conditions of service.
President Lungu says workers whether employed by foreign or Zambian companies should be entitled to the same standards.
The President was speaking in Kawambwa district during the tour of the Kala barracks , the marine unit of the Zambia Army.
President Lungu’s remarks follow complaints by workers at Ashtrom Zambia construction company, contracted to construct infrastructure at the barracks.
The workers complained of low salaries compared to their colleagues in other companies.
The barracks being constructed at a cost of 200 million United states dollars will include 1100 housing units , strategic workshops, schools and sports centres.
During the tour, the President inspected some houses and visited the ranch.
And President Lungu stated the construction of the barrack will improve the economy of Kawambwa.
He said apart from the 1000 direct jobs that have been created, indirect jobs have also been opened up.
The President who is on a two day working visit in Luapula and Northern Province is accompanied by Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development Ronald Chitotela and Lloyd Kaziya for Water, Sanitation and Environmental Protection and PF Deputy Spokesperson Frank Bwalya.
And Luapula Province Minister Nixion Chilangwa disclosed that the number of workers to be employed is likely to increase to 1500 by September.
He observed that the move will improve the economy of the town.
Meanwhile, the Minister said the construction of the barracks in the area has enhanced security in the border areas and on the waters.
Earlier, Army Commander Paul Mihova said the Defence wing will further diversify its activities in Agriculture.
Lieutenant General Mihova said apart from cattle rearing, the army will venture into other livestock activities.
Oh yes, we need to be independent economically, we are on our way and fast approaching that under your leadership.
This is unlike HH who wants to sell Zambia to foreigners and make us more dependent on these economic vampires.
Now you can see why the whole loves EL – he is so full of wisdom and foresight.
@Munone,
How old are you, Munone? Your comments are NOT helpful to the debate Lungu. Learn to debate on the merits and demerits of a topic without mentioning HH. Your comments lack backbone and intellect, and add nothing to the debate. Why do you sound so dull if indeed you live in a pluralistic Country like Canada?
You must be one of these undeserving students on taxpayers sponsorship, or a child of an unqualified dubiously appointed embassy staff.
Grow up. The topic is on Agri-business for your cousins and uncles…etc… back home.
Speech written possibly a neighbouring President.
See where his country is now.
How come he never tours North Western and Southern provinces
100% true, your excellency. And economic freedom comes with extra hard work.
we all know that HH and his minions have always been frustration government efforts to bring development to this nation.
We understand that losing five times can be painful, but one needs to behave otherwise lets concentrate on treason case.
@poison tree,we all know?i for one am not aware sir,speak for yourself
@poison tree,
What Agribusiness ideas can you think of that can bring jobs to your brothers and sisters back home? Nothing?
who is depending on hand outs ,is it not the pf gvmt who are always seen asking for kaloba from foreigners,with the huge debt how can you deceive blind poor minded pf followers when infant you are doing the opposite.pretence ba lungula.we were ok under mwanawasa and rb but under sata and lungu we are indeed slaves for ever with their kalobas.so far you again managed to get kaloba from another bank which your mutate signed but here you are speaking don’t kubeba.
I dont elieve pipo want to recolonise zambia. The chinese are actually taking over zambia economically.
We borrow, we use their loans for projects then we pay them for the work then the mkney plus loan repayments and interest go back to china. If we dont repay they take over what they financed, like they did with znbc,
An old saying dont put all your eggs in one basket…. china this china that.
Investors arent doing it for zambia they are doing it for profit for themselves. This cry of investors fallinv over themselves could me we will eventually fall over as a nation.
The biggest challenge faced by Africans is education. When that is addressed, everything will fall into place. IMHO education should be free and educators in strategic areas must be heavily incentivized for example science, entrepreneurship as concrete examples look at IT development in India and medicine in Cuba. I’m available and can give and guide Zambia with more of such simple but great working Ideas .
Mr Lungu, I shudder to frankly tell you that it’s short sighted and narrow minded people like you who think Zambia is an island. Where the economical and financial sustainability are concerned Zambia needs the world. Today the world is so connected and too small. Mr Lungu stop abusing your positions. Refrain from emptying the government coffers. You have become the richest living President within the shortest time. What you are talking about will not materialised with people like you in higher position only when you start to sacrifice on behalf if the most poor of the poorest
Donors please stop all forms of aid to Zambia the President is dictitor and now insulting you please add travel bans well.