President Hakainde Hichilema says the prolonged hours of load shading being experienced by Zambians, induced by drought, are regrettable and that he sympathizes with the citizens.
The President said this in Lusaka today when he opened the Fourth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly under the theme “enhancing national resilience, sustaining social economic gains in the face of adverse effects of climate change”.
“Our hearts are weakened,” said President Hichilema as he showed empathy for the citizens.
The President said government is therefore working hard through provision of humanitarian efforts, assuring that no Zambian will die of hunger during the current drought.
He said government is implementing recovery and resilience interventions to mitigate the impact of climate change.
President Hichilema commended citizens for their resilience.
The President However said the climate change presents Zambia with an opportunity to devise solutions to the challenges.
“It is a call to action, and a catalyst for innovation,” said President Hichilema.
He urged Zambians to seize the opportunity to find solutions to build a sustainable future.
And President Hichilema said asset recovery is part of government’s fight against corruption.
The President said through the asset recovery efforts, additional assorted properties worth over K100 million and cash amounting to US$30.8 million, as well as K56.6 million have so fare been forfeited to the state.
Meanwhile, President Hichilema assured that an additional 4000 Health will be recruited this year, to equip the health service with the much-needed workforce.
The President also said more Teachers will be employed this year, to improve the welfare of Zambians.
By Eva Hatontola