
By Lusaka Times Reporter
Works and Supply Minister,Mike Mulongoti has said President Rupiah Banda has been part the Late President Patrick Mwanawasa’s legacy since he was Mwanawasa’s Vice-President and both of them had been planning developmental projects together. Mr. Mulongoti was reacting to some sentiments by members of the opposition that Mr. Banda is using the Late Mwanawasa’s name to gain cheap political mileage.
Mr.Mulongoti was speaking yesterday during the official commissioning of the Livingstone-Zimba road by President Banda. Mr.Mulongoti, who is former MMD spokesperson, said President Banda has also been a front-runner in the visualization of economic developments in the country.
“Those who are saying you are carrying on Levy’s legacy do not know what they are saying because Levy’s legacy is your legacy…You have been there as Vice when most of these projects started,”he said.
Mr.Mulongoti encouraged President Banda not to despair in his work despite useless talks by what he called some political jokers.
President Rupiah Bnada opened the Livingstone-Zimba road to the public for use and become the first one to use it when he took a 32Km drive on the road.
And Southern Province Minister,Elijah Muchima described President Banda as a true man of the people who is capable to bring development into this country. Mr.Muchima further justified President Banda’s trips as fruitful.
He said when President Banda goes abroad he goes to look for development when he comes back he comes back with development.
But a group of UPND officials in the province are rumoured to have issued a negative statement towards RB’s visit. Sources say the officials who where reacting shortly after the opening of the road also had some bone to chew with Livingstone Member of Parliament Sakwiba Sikota whom they are calling a ghost MP.
Mr Sakwiba Sikota praised President Banda for ensuring that the road project is completed. The United Liberal Party leader said he was proud to have joined hands with President Banda, during the 2008 campaigns, which he said has yielded positive results.
Mr Sikota said at the time, President Banda promised to bring change to the lives of Zambians, and this has now been evidenced in the construction of the Zimba-Livingstone road.
The 72.8km road, which gobbled about K125bn, is now open to the public thanks to China Geo Construction (CGC) Company.