TRANSPORT and Communications Minister Christopher Yaluma says Government did follow procedure when appointing suspended Zambia Railways Limited chief executive officer Clive Chirwa and the Board of Directors before handing them the responsibility to handle ZRL.
“When appointing a CEO, we look at proficient and experienced people, they are interviewed using the laid down procedure after a body they are affiliated to recommends that they possesses the qualities required, appointing the board of Directors is also guarded by a statutory instrument,” Yaluma said.
And Yaluma said the suspension of prof. Clive Chirwa and dissolution of the Board of Directors will not in any way undermine strategic plans to revamp the national railway or in any way hinge on the Governments long-term planned strategies to improve the operations of ZRL.
“We have long-term plans and strategies put in place to enhance the operations of ZRL. These contingencies are there not to derail operations but to put in more efforts meant to sustain the national railway,” he said.
Yaluma said government’s decision to suspend Prof Chirwa and dissolve ZRL board is proof that the State is committed and would endeavour to see that Parastatol companies are run smoothly to benefit the people of Zambia.
“When we see that something has gone wrong in any Parastatol, such kind of investigations should be instituted to probe what’s going on. If things are not moving smoothly, we will endeavour to see anyone involved is probed, he said.
Yaluma urged employees at ZRL should remain calm and committed to the course of duty as law enforcers undertake the probe into the company’s operations.