Water Development and Sanitation Minister Collins Nzovu has called for respectful and civil debate on the proposed Constitutional Bill Seven. Minister Nzovu emphasized that in a democracy, differing views should be expressed without resorting to personal attacks or disrespect toward political and religious leaders.
He stated that while the Catholic Church and the UPND administration hold opposing views on the amendment process, this disagreement does not equate to animosity, noting that the two parties agree on many other issues. In a statement to the media, Nzovu appealed to the Church to tolerate and accept the views of other citizens and church members who support the bill.
The Minister highlighted that there are serving government officials who are Catholic and support Bill Seven, and their opinions deserve equal respect. He argued that the bill aims to improve social justice and uplift ordinary citizens, which is why he condemns insults directed at clergy who oppose it, as well as offensive language aimed at its supporters.
Nzovu also pointed to the UPND government’s record on social justice, citing initiatives such as the free education policy, the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), cash-for-work programs, social cash transfers, and large-scale employment efforts as evidence of its commitment to supporting vulnerable communities.
