Don’t be demoralised, says Lungu

PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has urged ministers, contractors and other projects implementing institutions in Zambia not to be demoralized for fear of being accused of corruption but instead to work hard and achieve their goals.

President Lungu said mere corruption allegations would always be there but people should not be discouraged to deliver for fear of being labelled corrupt.

The President made the remarks yesterday when he toured and inspected the 17 kilometres Chamasonge-Mulozi-Muleya feeder road in the newly created Chipangani district which was done by a local contractor, Tomorrow investment limited.

Tomorrow Investment limited projects manager, Trinity Dhanda informed the President that the project work completion schedule was compressed from the initial 3 years to a year.

Mr Dhanda disclosed that the project which had created 65 jobs for local men and women was at 65 percent completion.

Mr Dhanda said the project would be completed within a year depending on the cash flow from Government.

In response, President Lungu who was accompanied by Chipangali MP, Vincent Mwale and Kabwe Central MP, Tutwa Ngulube praised the local contractor for having compressed the work completion schedule. He emphasized that people should not be hesitant to work hard for fear of being accused of corruption.

President Lungu urged Mr Mwale to mobilise resources and pay the contractor on time so that the project could be completed before the scheduled time.

“You have heard minister that all they want is the funds to finish this project in one year instead of three years, so mobilise resources quickly.

“Most of the people fail to work because they fear corruption allegations. This corruption song will be there, corruption allegations will always succeed in bringing you down,” President Lungu said.

Mr Lungu added,” If you fail to work because of fear of corruption allegations, it’s up to you; will fire you. But if you’re corrupt, we will catch and deal with you.”

He said there was need for ministers, contractors and other projects implementing institutions to work hard without being distracted by enemies of development raising unsubstantiated corruption allegations.

And area MP, Vincent Mwale said the people of Chipangali were happy with President Lungu’s administration for working on Chamasonge-Mulozi-Muleya feeder road which was last worked on during the UNIP era.