YESTERDAY President Hakainde Hichilema vouchsafed Zambians an early Christmas gift in the form of an end-of-year press conference.
We call it a gift because we believe the press conference came at a time when the country was yearning for information on key government programmes and activities.
The decision by the President to hold a press conference and share some of Government’s successes in the year is highly commendable.
Such a gesture arises from a profound appreciation of the fact that people are important stakeholders in the governance of the country and, as such, need to be aware of how their government is handling their affairs.
Such a gesture also speaks to the readiness of Government to deliver on its obligations and promises to the people. Only a government that is committed to development will subscribe to regular updates on its progress.
The President highlighted a number of key successes in key sectors.
The President revealed that progress had been made in actualising deals with Konkola Copper Mines and Mopani Copper Mines, two major players in the country’s mining industry.
That revelation was music to the ears of all those who want to see a better and more prosperous country.
The President reiterated his commitment to ending cadreism with a stern warning to cadres.
He also highlighted the measures his government is taking to ensure that never again should Zambia slide into a debt crisis, the likes of the one it is just coming out of.
Mr Hichilema also revealed that just the other day, he had signed into law pieces of legislation that would strengthen Government’s fight against corruption. This again was good news to all those that want to see a better, more corruption-free country.
One of the highlights of the day was the President’s signing into law the Access to Information bill.
Introduced in 2002 during the presidency of Levy Mwanawasa, the Access to Information Bill remained on the shelves and could not see the light of day under successive governments.
In 2011, the Michael Sata-led Government promised to prioritise its enactment and that commitment resonated with many Zambians who yearned for greater accountability and access to public information.
But again, it was shelved and remained so until the current government, working with stakeholders, revived the process, which culminated into its assent into law by President Hichilema yesterday.
The signing of the ATI law speaks to Government’s commitment to enhancing transparency and involving people in its governance.
It reflects a progression towards a more transparent and accountable governance framework.
In a democratic society striving for transparency and accountability, the realisation of access to information is a vital pillar of good governance and citizen empowerment.
The signing yesterday of the Access to Information legislation stands as a testament to Government’s commitment to upholding the principles of transparency and openness and will undoubtedly shape the nation’s democratic landscape.
ATI testament of State’s commitment to transparency
YESTERDAY President Hakainde Hichilema vouchsafed Zambians an early Christmas gift in the form of an end-of-year press conference.
We call it a gift because we believe the press conference came at a time when the country was yearning for information on key government programmes and activities.
The decision by the President to hold a press conference and share some of Government’s successes in the year is highly commendable.
Such a gesture arises from a profound appreciation of the fact that people are important stakeholders in the governance of the country and, as such, need to be aware of how their government is handling their affairs.
Such a gesture also speaks to the readiness of Government to deliver on its obligations and promises to the people. Only a government that is committed to development will subscribe to regular updates on its progress.
The President highlighted a number of key successes in key sectors.
The President revealed that progress had been made in actualising deals with Konkola Copper Mines and Mopani Copper Mines, two major players in the country’s mining industry.
That revelation was music to the ears of all those who want to see a better and more prosperous country.
The President reiterated his commitment to ending cadreism with a stern warning to cadres.
He also highlighted the measures his government is taking to ensure that never again should Zambia slide into a debt crisis, the likes of the one it is just coming out of.
Mr Hichilema also revealed that just the other day, he had signed into law pieces of legislation that would strengthen Government’s fight against corruption. This again was good news to all those that want to see a better, more corruption-free country.
One of the highlights of the day was the President’s signing into law the Access to Information bill.
Introduced in 2002 during the presidency of Levy Mwanawasa, the Access to Information Bill remained on the shelves and could not see the light of day under successive governments.
In 2011, the Michael Sata-led Government promised to prioritise its enactment and that commitment resonated with many Zambians who yearned for greater accountability and access to public information.
But again, it was shelved and remained so until the current government, working with stakeholders, revived the process, which culminated into its assent into law by President Hichilema yesterday.
The signing of the ATI law speaks to Government’s commitment to enhancing transparency and involving people in its governance.
It reflects a progression towards a more transparent and accountable governance framework.
In a democratic society striving for transparency and accountability, the realisation of access to information is a vital pillar of good governance and citizen empowerment.
The signing yesterday of the Access to Information legislation stands as a testament to Government’s commitment to upholding the principles of transparency and openness and will undoubtedly shape the nation’s democratic landscape.