Lungu swears in new Home Affairs PS
PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has urged the newly appointed Home Affairs Permanent Secretary Masiye Banda to critically look at the policies and programmes within his ambit so that those that were in dire need of review are done to help the country cope with the modern day democratic demands.
President Lungu said this at State House in Lusaka yesterday when he swore in Mr Banda to replace Dr Chileshe Mulenga, who died last week after an illness.
Mr Banda prior to his appointment served as director for specialised audits and consultancy in the office of the Auditor General and the National Audit Office.
He is also a seasoned civil servant having worked for 24 years in government with the first appointment being that of anti-fraud detective in the Zambia Police Service in 1996.
President Lungu advised Mr Banda to put in his very best at all times to contribute to the enhancement of democracy and good governance as well as to be a role model for many other civil servants who aspired to be promoted to senior government positions
Mr Lungu, however, said despite the diverse operations of the ministry of Home Affairs, he had no doubt that with his vast experience and specialised skills combined with his understanding of government operations, Mr Banda would have no difficulties in settling down in his new position.
He expressed confidence that Mr Banda would easily carry on the mantle from the late Dr Mulenga because he had over the years performed his professional duties in public sector auditing, risk management and law enforcement duties with high levels of integrity.
Mr Lungu also said his government was in a hurry to deliver quality services to the men and women in uniform under the ministry of Home Affairs, adding that he expected Mr Banda to work even harder to contribute to the realisation of those goals.
And speaking to journalists shortly after being sworn in, Mr Banda thanked President Lungu for the appointment and his predecessor for the role he played in the massive infrastructure development.
Mr Banda who promised to look at the policies and programmes within his ambit that needed to be reviewed as directed by the President, also pledged to build on his predecessor’s success to carry the agenda forward.