CHIEF WARNS MINISTERS

He has advised the government to publicise the estimated amount it was likely to save from the measures to encourage people to embrace the move.

Chief Chikwanda said in an interview that the austerity measures, which include reducing ministers’ perks was a step in the right direction and should be supported.

He said that it was imperative for Government to cut down on costs by avoiding unnecessary expenditures.

Chief Chikwanda pointed out that even traditional leaders used to accompany the President on international trips but that for the sake of other viable undertakings, the practice had to be done away with.

The traditional leader reiterated that some of the allowances for ministers were equally not necessary while others were needlessly too high.

He said that Zambia needed to save as much as it could so that the money could be channelled to other pressing sectors.

Chief Chikwanda said that public service workers, including ministers, should accept the perks cuts as the country had not yet reached a stage where it could offer lavish conditions of service to public workers.

“That is a move which should be supported by all because it is a step in the right direction. The ministers should just accept the measures. If you check, some of the allowances were too high, some are actually not necessary. Even chiefs had to be removed from the list of people who are supposed to take international trips with the President,” he said.

Meanwhile, Chief Chikwanda has advised the minister of Finance to publicise the estimated amount of money Government was likely to save following the cost saving measures implemented.

He said that it would encourage Zambians to embrace and ensure that the measures were well implemented.