President, Rupiah Banda, has pledged more commitment towards addressing economic challenges confronting the nation.
President Banda said the people should expect more commitment from him following a fruitful working holiday which ends this Thursday.
The President told ZANIS in an exclusive interview in Mfuwe that he felt even stronger and refreshed having taken the working holiday, which afforded him an opportunity to reflect on serious national issues.
He said he was happy that the holiday provided him a chance to meet his family and other matters before he could return to Lusaka to continue working hard on programmes of national importance.
“I am feeling stronger and refreshed having taken this holiday therefore the people of Zambia should now expect more and more commitment from me and my administration,” President Banda said.
“During the holiday I had the chance to meet my family, which I love so much, and of course we had time to sit and discuss issues,” He added.
President Banda used the time during the holiday to take physical exercises, which included every morning walking safari in the South Luangwa National Park and held working meetings with Principal Private Secretary, Austin Sichinga, Legal Advisor Joseph Jalasi and Economic Advisor Dr Chembe.
During the holiday, President Banda met Ambassador Li Qiangmin and Kunda Chiefs among them senior Chief Nsefu, Chiefs Jumbe, Mnkhanya, Malama, Msoro and Kakumbi.
Bank of Zambia former governor Jacob Mwanza and UNZA former Chancellor Robert Serpell all called on the President during his sats at Chichele Lodge in Mfuwe.
“It was a holiday, but as you saw for yourself I continued working even during the holiday,” he said.
South Luangwa National Park’s Chichele Lodge has been preferred holiday destination for Presidents. Presidents Kenneth Kaunda and late Mwanawasa are notable among those that featured prominently at the lodge during their respective reigns.
Mr Banda said he would use his vast political experience to promote democracy by allowing people to enjoy the right of expression, but emphasized that the right would be not allowed to damage national peace and interest.
“I am sure a lot of people would wonder why I don’t respond to many of the insults and statements from some section of society, its because my past service in political administration during the first republic gave me vast experience to handle these issues,” he said.
“I went through the necessary experience that gives the wisdom to allow every Zambian to have a say on some issues,” He added.
He called on Zambians to exercise a culture of discipline and condemn insults as they comment on issues of national interest.
President Banda said Zambia was capable of achieving the needed economic development like other countries provided the people became more hardworking and disciplined.
He called unity of purpose among the people as the country works hard to address various issues affecting various sectors of the economy.
Mr Banda said he was determined to leave behind a legacy of discipline and hard work.
He challenged the media to take a leading role in promoting a culture of discipline by discouraging politics of insults even in the wake of serious debates.
The President is confident that the ongoing constitutional making process, through the National Constitutional Conference, NCC, would be complete in good time before the next elections.
ZANIS/ENDS/SJK/MM
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Oct 17th, 2008 at 3:01 pm Vote:
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