President Edgar Lungu says the Patriotic Front (PF) government has prioritised infrastructure development because it is critical to the industrialisation agenda aimed at creating employment, increasing value addition and enhancing trade with the outside world.
President Lungu speaking at the official opening of the two day virtual PF National Convention held at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka today, said government has addressed a number of challenges faced by the citizens through infrastructure development.
Outlining some of the benefits of infrastructure development, the Head of State noted that it is not just about building roads, structures and bridges, but also a way of creating jobs for citizens.
President Lungu explained that some sectors of society have always been against the idea, but that government has transformed Zambia with road construction and buildings, and has in turn created thousands of jobs for the youth in construction.
He added that government has constructed more health facilities in an effort to create universal health coverage for all people to access quality, affordable and cost-effective health care services without suffering financial hardships.
The Head of State further cited the construction of schools and higher learning institutions across the country, improving the energy sector, developing the aviation and agriculture sectors.
“What we have done to Zambia in terms of infrastructure development is unparalleled. I was just talking about jobs a few minutes ago, but what I know is infrastructure development is not just building roads and bridges, it is actually about jobs,” President Lungu stated.
The Head of State said that his promise to the Zambian people was socio-economic diversification, poverty reduction, and promotion of meaningful participation of Zambians in their economy, as entrepreneurs and workers.
He recalled the declarations he made with the Zambians, among them that government will continue building all the socio-economic infrastructure projects planned under the leadership of the Late President Michael Sata.
The President expressed happiness with many Zambians who have stimulated his vision by owning registered businesses and companies, Zambian contractors working side by side with foreign contractors and gaining skills apart from employing fellow Zambians.
President Lungu said that many people have been battling with the consequences of COVID-19, thus, amid the stimulus packages implemented, government also relaxed several measures so that economic activities can continue.
The President urged Zambians to join him in forging ahead and negotiate the challenges that haunt the country such as poverty, climate change, and the covid-19 pandemic.
“We must not be distracted by regionalism or be on each other’s neck because of politics. Instead we must unite as one people and forge ahead,” he noted.
President Lungu thanked his wife Esther Lungu for her love and support, his children among other family members for their understanding and perseverance.
He further expressed gratitude to Vice President Inonge Wina for her loyalty and support, the PF family who through the successes and setbacks supported him with a common purpose of working for the people without leaving anyone behind.
The convention which was virtual, was also attended by opposition party presidents who included Chishimba Kambwili of National Democratic Congress (NDC), Edith Nawakwi of FDD and Wynter Kabimba of Rainbow Party among others.
Other foreign political party representatives from Africa notably South Africa, Zimbabwe, Burundi, China and Russia were also in attendance to witness proceedings of the general convention.
Bauze ECL, this is the basic understanding Under 5 and his cohorts don’t comprehend.
So kakoma chalesi was telling the nation that he felt sidelined because of newcomers hence his defection, now him a newcomer has made older members to be sidelined, any engineering work that can,’t support itself is just a pie in the sky.
“The Head of State said that his promise to the Zambian people was socio-economic diversification, poverty reduction, and promotion of meaningful participation of Zambians in their economy, as entrepreneurs and workers.”The Head of State said that his promise to the Zambian people was socio-economic diversification, poverty reduction, and promotion of meaningful participation of Zambians in their economy, as entrepreneurs and workers.”
Mr. Lungu, this is a joke right? The so-called infrastructure development has been positive in some ways but it has fallen short of serious accountability and transparency. Example: The road cost per kilometer is almost 2 times regional average. And three 3times the global average all because of chronic PF corruption. We want a PF-less government…
I have no problem with infrastructure development but what I have problem with is using borrowed money on infrastructure in a way that is not going to help the country pay back the borrowed money.
Very wise words. Only those with tribal agendas will not agree with this. They will only agree with this if it came out of the mouth of their fellow tribal leader hachituvi hake (hh)
As we speak I am already drunk following successful convention. Pf pamaka
The person using prince Philip name, please show some respect to the departed. That is why those people keeping you there in UK have targets for returning foreigners such as yourself.
Here is where I see eye to eye with our leaders. Infrastructure development is vital and fundamental for the economy of any nation.
A country with good infrastructure can be compared to a well functioning organism. The roads are like the veins that transport precious resources within and around the organism. Bad roads lead to distorted connection and malfunction of the whole organism.
“increasing value addition “-This means avoiding waste-
Now road construction has been ongoing for years, is this not one of the wastes to avoid?
The notables in attendance are a worry-Russi,China,Burundi foristance what added value are they bringing?Operating stores in compounds?
Please wake up-it is not about pleasing tender seekers from outside at the cost of the people’s lives-Try something else-Tell Russia and China and whoever, to let you know what Zambia can do for them and what them can do for Zambia-
That is all you have done in 10 years – building roads, structures and bridges, not even enough by the way or even of proper quality in most cases. What you have miserably failed is to link the so-called structures with meaningful economic activities. You also used heavily borrowed monies instead of own resources. There is very high unemployment now because you have not built industries – manufacturing or otherwise. The rickety education system which you do not value by your failure to support it in terms of quality and resources is continuously churning out people who have nowhere to go. The so-called schools you have built are just that – empty structures to hoodwink people as being synonymous with ‘development’. The stolen being wealth flouted is in the hands of a few, yours and your…
Mugufuli had a policy …”prosperity without debt” something this Lazy Lungu would never understand I mean how can you champion infrastructure development through loans when you can not payback loans. Its like re-mortgaging for construction a swimming pool when you are no position to pay the repayment.
Mugufuli had a policy …”prosperity without debt” something this Lazy L ungu would never understand I mean how can you champion infrastructure development through loans when you can not payback loans. Its like re-mortgaging for construction a swimming pool when you are no position to pay the repayment
My comment is awaiting moderation
“WASHINGTON (NewsNation Now) — President Joe Biden delivered remarks Wednesday to drum up public support for his $2.3 trillion infrastructure plan as Republicans remain opposed to the costly proposal.
Biden said Wednesday that he is willing to listen to lawmakers opposed to his proposal to increase the corporate tax rate to 28 percent, but reiterated his pledge not to raise taxes on any American making less than $400,000.”-Sydney Kalich and Elyse Russo.
PF time out. You are a delay IMF to Bring help to Zambia in people.
In the 3rd world Building jobs are like seasonal jobs naimwe , when money runs out, those labourers are unemployed…..
Lungu can not fathom that even my garden boy can build those infrastructure with borrowed money……….
now if you say borrow ,build and you even fail to payback that borrowed money , even a grade 7 can manage that feat……
But Bwana Lungu you can’t have industrial take-off with a poor GDP growth of just 2% year after year. This makes NO SENSE whatsoever.
Is this a New PF Manifesto? It has taken ECL 61/2 years to realise this. What is ECL promising to the Zambians from 2021 to 2026? If Zambian Voters fall for these false promises and give ECL another 5 years they will regret it for the rest of their lives. Zambians already know that ECL and PF don’t keep their promises. In 2016 Zambians were promised Money in their pockets but that never happened. Zambians are worse off with ECL and PF in Power. Giving Corrupt ECL another 5 year Term is as good as committing economic and Financial suicide for Zambians. ECL and PF have miserably failed so on August 12 let’s send ECL and PF “ku wire”. Let’s all vote for Change and that Change is HH aka Bally will fix it.
We Zambians have no problem with investment in infrastructure but firstly the
Cost is inflated two to three times .secondly
How will we manage to pay back?Can you
Show us how we will pay as we are defaulting
In payment.
This id1ot is not only dull but stup1d too, all we know is the country is bankrupt and defaulted on debt…. Teeth teeth.. Ch1sushi for real
Our father who aren’t in heaven hollow is thy name
Thy kingdom cometh to an end, you will be done as you have done unto others, you failed to give us our daily bread, and lead us into sin and temptation, and bondage with unstainable debt, for this is our kingdom and the power and glory
For ever and ever Amen
No more Kaloba as there is no money in people’s pockets except for the few elect.
@ Tarino
These PF retards and sympathisers will not understand that you can’t be borrowing billions for infrastructure when you can’t pay back.
Another 5 years of PF will benefit convict lungu and his minions by stealing and becoming richer. How are these crooks going to tackle debt, what measures have they put paying these debt. They will use Covid as an excuse.
The only way PF will win is by rigging and back door gimmick.