Presidential spokesperson Anthony Bwalya has said that the UPND administration has not backtracked on its campaign promise to improve people’s welfare.
And Mr. Bwalya has explained that the removal of subsidies on fuel and electricity will help the government save money to channel towards critical and needy areas.
He has cited areas such as the impending recruitment of thousands of teachers and health personnel.
Mr. Bwalya said that the government needs a bit more time to rectify the situation by dealing with underlying issues such as corruption and the huge debt stock.
He also said that the government will not allow citizens to pay more on electricity tariffs because of structural inefficiencies at ZESCO.
Mr. Bwalya said that the government will ensure the price of electricity is delivered at the optimal cost, adding that the minister of energy has taken note of the concerns of structural inefficiencies at ZESCO which have to be addressed.
Mr. Bwalya was speaking when he was featured on the radio on the phoenix good morning Zambia program.
Mr Bwalya also said that the government has put in place measures that will help to cushion against the anticipated high cost of living on ordinary citizens following the removal of fuel subsidies which subsequently resulted in a hike in fuel pump prices.
Mr. Bwalya said that President Hichilema and government are aware that the removal of fuel subsidies will have adverse effects on ordinary citizens but will in the long run impact positively on the general performance of the economy, explaining that that government has already made tremendous progress in addressing all the economic fundamentals which will eventually ensure that all the loopholes and inefficiencies in the country’s economy are permanently sealed.
Mr. Bwalya is of the view that once the credibility and integrity of the local currency is restored as a result of the new measures by the new dawn government, Zambians should expect a reduction in the cost of living and doing business in the country.
Meanwhile, Mr. Bwalya said president Hakainde Hichilema has made it clear that the country cannot afford any lockdown amid the covid-19 pandemic.
He said this is why the government is calling on the church, traditional and civil leaders to encourage citizens to get the covid-19 vaccine.
Anthony, do you understand the meaning of backtracking? We are not fools, ulekutika?
Ba LT, why moderate my comment against Anthony? Is because he is my namesake?
UPND can be good, but these madafakas are toooo sloooow. This is why you needed whites who are times conscious and Indians who speak at highest speed in Cabinet.
Silly small boy Anthony. That position is too big for him. Some of us served with integrity and knew how to deal and manage that office competently. The boy does not command authority. He is is in training. I have even started receiving calls from his agents seeking my counsel on things. To upnd, I woll never work for your govt but can provide checks and balances. My advice is not free. I am loyal to pf. So please stop trying to get me to join you.i am happily making more money in the private sector.
So that dummy of a chief government spokesperson has decided to let Anthony do all the explaining regarding fuel subsidy? Majoritarian ..kuwayawayafye
It is PF that failed to fulfil its promises, for ten years the promise of more money in people’s pockets was never fulfilled
Some things are easier said than done. Some promises are easier made than fulfilled. Some mouths can easily open than tell the truth.
If only talk could translate into actual work. Governing is for people with balls not yap yap boys like this boy. Whenever he opens his mouth, it’s foul play, ridiculous talk and assurances.
“Tafilaba mweebwa”
People have more important things or occurrences to wait for, like the 2nd coming of Jesus than waiting for anthony and his minute god (kalesa na tulesa) to deliver on promises.
Looks like people are already tired of lip service.
See those banners. Zambians have lost the sense of patience.
The most annoying thing with this government is that they are thinking that this country belongs to them a lone , sorry we have a duty to tell you where you are going wrong, the people you are exposing to pain gave you or allowed you to govern them for the first five years if you fail ,they will give it to someone who will reduce the cost of living reduce fuel prices restore subsidies on essential goods .
Tekanyeni tubombeko
Pride goes before a fall. So now ba Anthony Bwalya thinks we are stupid as zambians and he can talk to us like children?
He’s now “explaining” the lies and that we should listen to him.
Just wait ba Anthony, if you think Zambians are foolish, loleleni ama by elections ayaleisa. D
The lying corrupt and clueless PF famously backtracked on their “more money in your pockets in 90days” promise. UPND is different and they have more decency and integrity.
Removing fuel and electricity subsidies is the right thing to do for the economy. Perhaps the implementation has been poorly managed. The government needed to do proper sensitisation and consultations to assess the impact especially to the most vulnerable in society. They could have also given concession cards to the most vulnerable to pay for these services/products at reduced prices.
Without proper income like jobs the suffering will be severe… these are direct consumption products and services compared to recruitment of teachers and health personnel. Why does the govt think the recruitment of teachers and health workers is of higher priority than the consumption of electricity and fuel which drive the economy? They can also use actual numbers to explain and justify the move, e.g…
They could also use actual numbers to explain and justify the move, e.g. how much are they actually saving and how they will redistribute the savings.
What are those “measures” they claim to have been put in place to cushion against the anticipated high cost of living?
Be transparent and explain things clearly to lay people.
Fact: You lied to the people.
Election loss is sure is a bitter pill to swallow for some people such as is being exhibited in their comments which are meant to be appealing to the same people who participated in ushering in a new management government! Some among the Zambians on the losing side and PF sympathizers have simple minds worse off in thinking than that of a three years old kid! The bitter walloped once leaders in PF government are worse off in comparing their ten years of ineptness to a new leadership with some of whom are still learning the ropes of office before even half a year has clocked! Yes! It hurts to a fool who thought was privy to determine those ordained to be at the helm in leading Zambian prosperity! HH is president and has his own roadmap to getting what he promised! PF please with your tick…
contd…. sympathizers wait for the 2026 campaign period to argue your case for a comeback! Simplicity of character can not be equated with being of a simple mind!
The most effective way to win something is to lie…a girl can’t accept you if you tell her that you rent a cabin and have no mattress to sleep on. Tell her you live in a nice flat ( borrow one from a friend) , you have Benz (borrow one too) etc. Sata used MORE MONEY IN THE POCKET. SOMEONE ELSE USED COST REDUCTION FREE EDUCATION. Both tricks worked. What about the people? Forget them we will keep on confusing them with jargon until they get used to the current situation.
Which sensible Zambian cannot see that UPND has backtracked on its promises? Sad.
The most decent thing to do is to hold a press address ( not brief) and admit that YOU UNDERESTIMATED THE TASK. ASK FOR FOR FORGIVENESS, ROOM AND TIME TO SORT OUT THE “MESS THAT YOU HAVE INHERITED”. There’s no shame in shedding tears openly. There’s shame in putting up a brave face even when you’re hurting inside.