Minister Mweetwa Addresses Key Issues on Hot FM’s Hot Seat Program
Zambia’s Minister of Information and Media and Chief Government Spokesperson, Hon. Cornelius Mweetwa, MP, featured on Hot FM’s Hot Seat Radio program, where he addressed several pressing issues.
Minister Mweetwa affirmed that the government will not shield anyone involved in the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) controversy, where 61 containers of medicines were initially held at a private depot in Lusaka’s Makeni area. The law will take its course, he assured.
Hon. Mweetwa praised former Minister of Health, Hon. Sylvia Masebo, MP, for bringing the ZAMMSA issue to light through her Ministerial Statement in Parliament, ensuring transparency.
President Hakainde Hichilema has emphasized that any government official found breaking the law will face the consequences. He will not protect any corrupt or underperforming ministers, and those seeking self-aggrandizement will not survive under his leadership.
Public officers named in the FIC report will be held accountable if found guilty. President Hichilema has directed law enforcement agencies to investigate suspicious transactions and individuals involved.
Under the UPND administration, investigative agencies have the autonomy to perform their duties without political interference.
The current administration has not been implicated in the FIC report. If any officials are found guilty after investigations, they will face the law, as the administration does not tolerate corruption.
The government has secured financial closure for a US$300 million project to construct a second 300 MW thermal plant in Maamba to address the power deficit. Additionally, the importation of solar energy equipment has been zero-rated to benefit more citizens.
Minister Mweetwa said that the government has approved an Open Access Policy, allowing private investors to generate and supply electricity to the national grid.
He said that those advocating for President Hichilema to declare his assets should push for constitutional amendments to compel public office holders to declare their assets publicly, as there is currently no such law.
The UPND administration will not tolerate politically motivated violence. The government has demonstrated this by ensuring that those arrested for political violence, regardless of their affiliation, are dealt with firmly by the law.
Contrary to some claims, Minister Mweetwa said that the government has not disbanded FISP. The program will continue, targeting the same number of beneficiaries.
The government has refuted false information regarding the construction of a hospital in the Central African Republic.
