JOIN DRIVERN TAXI AS PARTNER DRIVER TODAY!
The Southern African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) says President Edgar Lungu lost an opportunity to offer practical steps for the immediate problems facing the nation namely, the weakening economy and kwacha, when he delivered the state of the nation address last Friday.
SACCORD Executive Director Boniface Cheembe in a statement says the economy and the kwacha required strong practical measures to be taken by the government so that the medium and long term measures would be assisted.
Mr Chembe says SACCORD recommends that the President calls for a Crisis Meeting with relevant stakeholders from a cross sector of society to put in place strong and practical short term measures to address the weakening economy and kwacha.
He says SACCORD had also hoped that the government would be strong on cost saving measures so that the country lives within its means.
He states that the creation of new Ministries, although necessary, is untimely and will only raise expenditure for the nation which is a challenge under the current economic status.
Mr Cheembe has also observed that the speech by the President on a number of directives and policy guidance will need to be accompanied by a strong implementation framework without which most of them may not be achieved.
And Mr Cheembe says SACCORD was encouraged by the President’s appeal to maintain peace in the politics of the country by avoiding political violence.
He notes that the issue of political violence has been a concern to SACCORD and this scourge has been worsening as the country matures in her democracy.
Mr Cheembe says SACCORD hopes that political parties will take practical measures to prevent political violence and that the ruling party will lead by example.
qfm
