CHIMWEMWE MWALE, Lusaka
GOVERNMENT has dismissed with contempt, remarks attributed to opposition Heritage Party leader Brigadier-General Godfrey Miyanda that President Lungu has allegedly failed to address some serious questions surrounding the governance of the country when he opened Parliament last Friday.
Brig Gen Miyanda, who is former Vice-President was quoted as saying so in yesterday’s edition of The Post newspaper.
Chief Government spokesperson Chishimba Kambwili clarified that President Lungu’s speech, which has been well received by a cross-section of Zambians, announced major policy decisions.
Mr Kambwili said Government can only wish that Gen Miyanda was misquoted as he does not expect a person of his standing in society to allegedly join The Post newspaper’s crusade against Government.
He said Government expects people of Gen. Miyanda’s standing to offer sober and constructive advice that contributes positively to nation-building.
Mr Kambwili said in a statement yesterday that the major policies as stated by President Lungu are aimed at transforming Zambia into a better and prosperous country, contrary to remarks attributed to Brig Gen Miyanda.
He pointed out that the President announced long-term solutions to the current electricity shortages through increased and sustained investment in the energy sector.
The minister said this is aimed at transforming the country from a power-deficit to a power-surplus nation.
“The measures include the Zambia-Zimbabwe partnership to develop a 1,800-megawatt power station at Batoka Gorge in Southern Province at an estimated cost of US$4 billion, and the expansion, in collaboration with the private sector, in power generation at Kafue Gorge Lower which, upon completion in three years’ time, will generate an additional 750 megawatts,” Mr Kambwili said.
He also reiterated President Lungu’s pronouncement that Government will increase power generation at Chishimba and Musonda falls and other hydro-power stations around the country.
He added that the President also announced specific measures to revive the cooperative movement in the country, as a vehicle for accelerating rural development.
Mr Kambwili also pointed out that the President announced plans by Government to invest about US$6 billion to construct railway lines, that will link Zambia to eastern and western parts of Africa.