Simplify application modalities – Lungu

-President Edgar Lungu has directed Youth and Sport Minister Vincent Mwale to simplify the application for funds under the Youth Empowerment Programme.

President Lungu said the application form is complicated for an ordinary person to understand and complete the process of the application.

President Lungu said this when he addressed PF party officials at Protea hotel in Chipata last evening.

He noted that a number of youths are not able to access the funds due to bureaucratic and sophisticated processes.

Mr Lungu stated that Government will ensure that youths and women are empowered through various initiatives such as the youth and women empowerment programmes.

He also stressed the need to simplify the application forms under the Citizen Economic Empowerment Committee (CEEC) programme.

The Head of State assured the country that Government will continue to create employment opportunities though infrastructure development such as road construction, schools and Health facilities.

President Lungu also noted that other employment opportunities in the health, education and agriculture sectors among others are being created.

He advised entrepreneurs especially those in the construction business to be proactive in bidding for government contracts.

Mr Lungu also observed that the acquisition of contracts is complicated and needs to be revised to ease the process.

The president also stated that women should be given an opportunity to take up leadership positions in government and the ruling party, adding that women should be supported as per his example of appointing the first female Vice President Inonge Wina.

President Lungu assured the nation that the PF will not steal government resources by diverting the funds towards party programmes.

He stated that the PF will mobilize resources from its supporters and ensure that government resources are not tempered with as the party implements its programmes.

President Lungu said the PF will continue implementing developmental programmes as time for campaigns has passed.

He stated that the people of Zambia will judge the PF by its works.

Mr Lungua also disclosed to the PF officials that the party is in the process of procuring vehicles that will help mobilize the party in provinces.

He also reiterated his commitment to work with the opposition MMD to form a democratic alliance.

President Lungu said the Eastern Province will be a powerhouse for the PF and MMD which he said are committed to form an alliance.

The Head of State also said that Eastern province will be an example to bridge all political parties and prove that the two political parties can work together to bring development to the country.

He said his leadership will be based on peace and humility as opposed to lies saying he adopted his style of leadership from late President Michael Sata.

Mr Lungu observed that there are a number of people meddling lies within the party and stated that he will not listen to such people as he knows his supporters well.

He also announced that the PF will soon hold elections to elect new leaders in all the ten provinces of the country saying the three year term for all office bearers had expired.

He further stressed the need to remain united during the period of elections and ensure that members elect people who can deliver.