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President Edgar Lungu has advised Zambians living in the diaspora to have a positive attitude if they are to make meaningful contribution towards Zambia’s development.
ZANIS reports that President Lungu made the appeal when he addressed Zambians living in Botswana during a dinner hosted for him at the Zambian High Commissioner’s residence last night.
Mr. Lungu said Zambians should learn to ignore politicians who like politicking because government is in a hurry to develop the country thereby improving the welfare of its citizens.
The President cited the issue of load shedding, which has engulfed the country, following the drop in the water levels at the Kariba Dam in Siavonga, Southern Province.
The Zambian Head of State observed that the subject of load shedding in Zambia is being treated as a political issue and not a natural phenomenon that has affected the entire Southern African Development Community (SADC).
“Inadequate power supply that has hit Zambia is not only affecting the country but the region as a whole. Zambia is a politicking country. Everything is politics. Even as l speak to you now, someone is seeing politics,” the President observed.
He further said that the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA), established as a body on 1st October 1987 by parallel legislation in the parliaments of Zambia and Zimbabwe and jointly owned by the governments of Zambia and Zimbabwe, has warned the two countries to regulate the use of water from the Kariba dam.
“ZRA has warned that if both Zambia and Zimbabwe do not adhere to the regulations, the power deficit is expected to worsen around October-November, 2015.
Constructed in the 1950s, the Kariba dam is the largest man-made lake in the world, which was designed to hold back power of the Zambezi River and create hydroelectricity for an ever increasing demand.
President Lungu reiterated that government remains committed in ensuring the problem of inadequate power supply currently being experienced in the country is addressed.
The President expressed satisfaction that he was glad because the issue of shortfall in the supply of power will be tabled during the 35th SADC Heads of State and Government Summit which officially opens today.
“We learn from the region and it is about sharing. It is a pity that back home, everything is politics. Let’s take advantage of our exposure to add value to our country’s development. A good practice that you see must be passed on back home,” advised the President.
And commenting on draft constitution, the President challenged Zambians to read the document if they are to appreciate the contents in particular the subject of dual citizenship.
Mr. Lungu also said his political party was working in conjunction with some musicians who will help in educating the masses on the importance of violence free elections through music in the country.
The President however expressed disappointment saying his assessment over the National Arts Council (NAC) is that it is no longer effectively performs its duties of promoting development through arts.
“Designing or redesigning the council in a fresh style will do. We have a ministry responsible in this area. So we will see how we can get our people to utilise this field,” the President noted.
Meanwhile, Mr. Lungu has distanced himself from interfering with the police operations on matters of violence.
“If l was instigating violence, what would have stopped me from interfering with the cases. Am not the type of the person and the police are not being detected on what they must do when presented with offences of such crimes, “illustrated Mr. Lungu.
The President was responding to questions by the Zambians living in Bostwana.
Present at the dinner were Defence Minister Richwell Siamunene, Minister of Foreign Affairs Harry Kalaba, Attorney General Likando Kalaluka, Commerce, Trade and Industry Permanent Secretary Siazongo Siakalenge, Zambia’s Acting High Commissioner Wesley Chikwamu, and senior government officials.
