PRESIDENT SATA MEETS CABINET AND DEPUTY MINISTERS

PRESIDENT SATA MEETS CABINET AND DEPUTY MINISTERS

LUSAKA, Monday, May 20, 2013 – His Excellency, Mr. Michael Chilufya Sata, President

of the Republic of Zambia, has directed Cabinet and deputy ministers to offer explanations

to the Zambian people on the resolve of his administration to remove subsidies on maize and fuel.

The Head of State, who issued the directive during a Caucus held at State House this

morning, urged the ministers to work tirelessly and with greater urgency to ensure that they

engage people and assure them that these bold steps are meant to facilitate practical and

equitable allocation of national wealth amongst the people.

“We have to make our people understand that we are adopting and implementing these

measures to advance stability, reduce poverty and inequality as well as create acceptable

conditions that will stimulate sustained development and growth countrywide,” President

Sata says.

“Let’s tell the people that these reforms are designed to produce a better financial system

that breeds sufficient jobs; a fair distribution of income and opportunities in favour of the poor, who are the majority of our population; and guarantee a social order where education, health and all other services will be sufficiently available to all Zambians.”

President Sata reminded the ministers that government needs to increase its finance base

as it improves the quality of life of mainly the poor or those previously excluded from the economic and development mainstream.

The President reiterated that he was very certain that the long-term benefits of these

seemingly harsh decisions offset the short-term expectations.

“I am glad that despite the pessimistic or ill-talk from certain elements among our political

competitors; the common man on the street is beginning to understand and appreciate that by implementing these measures, we actually we mean well and have a vision for this country,”

President Sata says.

“Therefore, I would like to express gratitude to the Zambian people for their patience and

confidence in this government’s agenda for the country. And I want to promise them that the trust and faith they have deposited in us is not misplaced.”

In response, the ministers pledged their commitment to equitably uplift people’s living

standards by ensuring that government programmes and projects especially in infrastructure

development are implemented in line with the PF manifesto.

Issued by:

GEORGE CHELLAH

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