President Hichilema appoints first four cabinet Ministers

President Hakainde Hichilema has appointed and sworn-in the first four Cabinet Ministers. The four include Situmbeko Musokotwane who has been re-appointed as Minister of Finance and National Planning, and former Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) Director, General…

President Hakainde Hichilema has appointed and sworn-in the first four Cabinet Ministers.

The four include Situmbeko Musokotwane who has been re-appointed as Minister of Finance and National Planning, and former Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) Director, General Roma Chilengi appointed as Minister of Health.

Others are Mulambo Haimbe who has also been re-appointed as Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Gilbert Siame a University of Zambia academician appointed as Minister of Green Economy and Environment following his nomination as Member of Parliament.

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony at State House, President Hichilema urged the newly appointed ministers to uphold national interests and deliver results.

He said whether it was their first or subsequent cabinet appointment, the responsibility remains the same.

President Hichilema reminded the newly appointed ministers of the principles of confidentiality and collective responsibility, warning that any deviation from cabinet decisions would mean the point of exit.

“Let us serve with humility, integrity, hard and smart work, we now have technology we never had before, we should use it. All of this is to benefit the people of Zambia,” the President said.

President Hichilema reiterated government’ stance against corruption and wastage of public resources stating that public money belongs to all 21 million Zambians, and no one else.

The Head of States said the Grow Zambia Agenda must remain the guiding tool for the government to drive the country’s economic growth.

“Everything we do, we must focus on the Grow Zambia Agenda,” he advised.

President Hichilema explained that the agenda is designed to expand the economy, create jobs for young people, increase treasury revenue and fund social programmes including free education, social cash transfers, and drought relief.

He clarified that the 10-10-5-5-3-3-1-1 focus does not exclude other sectors, citing health and local pharmaceutical production as priority areas for targets.

The President also cautioned against damaging Zambia’s investment climate through falsehoods on social media.

“May we as citizens walk away from damaging our own economy and prospects,” he said.

And the President directed Mr Haimbe that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must drive economic diplomacy, promote investments, and protect Zambia’s sovereignty.

“Keep our trade going, in your missions, we want to see people who are selling marketing samples. Maintain the integrity of our country out there, we have to work hard to restore the image of this country and protect Zambia’s sovereignty, he emphasised.

He also directed the newly appointed Minister of Green Economy and Economy that the ministry must attract green climate financing and carbon credits that benefit communities.

He condemned environmental degradation such as riverbank farming and mercury disposal.

“ZEMA should facilitate and not stand in the way of growth,” he directed.

He also tasked Professor Chilengi that the Ministry of Health’s focus must be on delivery and patient care.

The Head of State cited the $32 million Cancer Hospital as an achievement that has stopped hundreds of patients from traveling to India for treatment, and noted similar facilities under construction in Ndola and Livingstone.

He further said the Minister of Finance should continue focusing on growing the country’s economy.

President Hichilema also directed the Cabinet to spend 60 percent of their time executing projects.

Meanwhile, newly sworn-in Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Gilbert Siame said his immediate priority is to rally all stakeholders to deliver on President Hakainde Hichilema’s directive to grow a climate-resilient economy.

He identified climate change as presenting both challenges and opportunities for Zambia.

“The challenges we already face include difficulties with rainfall patterns, energy, agriculture and many other challenges created by climate change,” he said.

“We will be there to support the President’s agenda with regards to growing a resilient economy that can withstand droughts, that can withstand flooding, and that can survive even when we face a future that is highly unpredictable with regards to climate change,” he said.

And Professor Chilengi said the Presidential directive was clear on ending theft of drugs in public health facilities.

“The main message is stealing of drugs, the instructions from the Head of State are clear, that there should be no more stealing of drugs. If somebody is caught with that, there is no bail. It is equivalent to an economic crime. And so the message is clear,” he said.