–Sata orders deputy ministers, PSs to ‘move’

Sata orders deputy ministers, PSs to ‘move’….

Lusaka, April 2, 2013,ZANIS— President Michael  Sata has directed Deputy Ministers and Permanent Secretaries to undertake country-wide developmental tours of provinces and districts.

 Mr Sata advised the deputy ministers and Permanent Secretaries to desist from sitting in offices but rather go in provinces and monitor government projects taking place there.

The Head of State wondered how Deputy Ministers and Permanent Secretaries can acquaint themselves with the challenges that civil servants face in executing government work if they do not tour the country-side.

The President explained that the only way government officials will enhance development in provinces and districts is by touring various government projects taking place.

President Sata made the directive when he swore-in two provincial deputy ministers and two permanent secretaries.

Mr Sata said Zambia is where it is today because of the district commissioners who frequently toured government projects.

Mr Sata said the only way development is going to be expedited throughout the country is when Deputy Ministers and PSs  play an active role of monitoring government projects.

The President questioned why Deputy Minister and PS were getting tax payer’s money when they don’t tour provinces and districts.

President Sata cautioned Ministers and Permanent Secretaries to refrain calling chiefs but to visit them and get their concerns on matters of national development.

He said the only way that traditional leaders are going to appreciate governmnet services is when they  visit them during the monitoring of projects.

Mr Sata implored Vice President Dr Guy Scott to encourage Deputy Ministers and Permanent Secretaries  to tour districts.

Meanwhile, President Sata today fumed following the delay to move the provincial capital of Southern province from Livingstone to Choma.

Mr Sata questioned why it has taken long to move the provincial capital when he issued the directive a long time ago.

The President hinted that politics of talking is long gone noting that it is time for delivering development.

The Head of State explained that Choma was more centrally located compared to Livingstone hence his decision to move the provincial capital.

The President said this today when he swore in two provincial ministers who included veteran politicians Daniel Mukombwe who comes in as Southern province deputy minister while Chilubi PF Member of Parliament Obius Chisala has been appointed Northern province deputy minister.

President Sata also swore in two Permanent Secretaries under cabinet office, Benard Kamphasa for Policy Analysis and Coordination Division and Ndashe Yumba for Management Development Division.