President Edgar Lungu cracks whip on six Permanent Secretaries mwebantu.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from mwebantu.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
President Edgar Lungu has challenged investigative wings that probe corruption cases to be serious and conclusive in their operations.
President Lungu said those tasked with investigating such matters should inform him when they face challenges so that they can be provided with the help needed to execute their duties.
The Head of State made these remarks at State House in Lusaka today during a swearing-in ceremony for newly appointed Permanent Secretaries.
“Right now there is talk of government being corrupt, no we are not corrupt but what is becoming obvious is that those who make noise about corruption fail to prove their actions and those who are charged with the responsibility of investigating corruption are not going out to investigate and bring this war to court,” the President explained.
Zambian President Edgar Lungu has sacked six permanent secretaries in the country.
In a statement issued by State House on Tuesday, the President sacked the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health, Ms. Mulalelo Kakulubelwa, and her Local Government counterpart, Edward Chomba.
Others are – Auxilia Ponga (Tourism), Stardy Mwale, (Cabinet Office), Joe Kapembwa (Youth, Sports and Child Development), and Charles Sipanje (Northern Province).
Lungu also promoted directors from different ministries to fill the gaps created by the sack of the officials.
Those promoted are Lennox Kalonde, who was Director in the Ministry of Local Government and becomes Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works and Supply.
Ministry of Tourism and Arts Permanent Secretary Auxilia Ponga has called on Regional and District Cultural Affairs officers to be creative and make the Ministry vibrant in 2021.
Dr. Ponga called on the officers to create linkages and networks by partnering with the corporate entities operating in their regions to actualize the cultural affairs development dream.
She said this during a virtual meeting with Department of Arts and Culture officers based in the regions.
“In 2021, the staff’s performance will be measured by how many jobs they will create in their areas of operation and how much the districts will contribute to the Gross Domestic Product,” Dr Ponga noted.
Government looks forward to the implementation of the Private Public Partnership (PPP) for the redevelopment of Longacres Lodge in Lusaka that will see the facility upgraded to a three to five start hotel scheduled for 2021.
Ministry of Tourism and Arts Permanent Secretary (PS) Dr. Auxilia Ponga says the improvement of the resort that will bring about banks, business centre, a big conference facility and a restaurant will bring about a new lease of life to the gatehouse that has been in existence since 1957.
She bemoaned the state of some of the fitting like the ceiling boards that have to be continuously replaced due to leaks in the roof from time using the little finances raised from room fees.