You are engaged more in Rhetoric than Action!

Local Authorities cement President Hakainde Hichilema’s political rhetoric as they acquire luxury vehicles against his directive.

Lusaka, May 18 – President Hichilema, during his Press Briefing today, restated his position on the acquisition of luxury vehicles by government entities noting that he shall not tolerate it.

However, in a colourful event that characterised the popping of champagne and officiated by the Mayor Johnson Kang’ombe, Chingola Municipal Council recently boasted of purchasing eight brand new vehicles from at an alleged cost of K6,804,579.

Among them are six 4×4 vehicles bought to be utilised by directors for their daily activities, another two 4×4 luxurious vehicles for the town clerk and for the mayor.

Also Read: Mr. President, you’re engaged more in Rhetoric than Action.

Some officers from the service department noted that the purchase was peculiar as the Council opted to postpone the purchase of the grader which is of urgent need and Council Police vehicles but the new management opted to purchase luxurious vehicles for the council top management as well as luxurious furniture for top offices neglecting even the service officers who need pool vehicles in planning, finance and engineering.

But in his address reiterating his position again President Hichilema said; “We do not want VX’s, if you check the extravagance comes, wrong policies come, leadership come and children will not be in school, simple.”

“Under Kaunda Ministers were driving Peugeot 504, Frank, Toyota Cressida. Today I say to my colleagues in Cabinet do not drive the VX they think I am denying them luxury. Now how can you have luxury without production. I am glad my Cabinet understands that, I am very lucky. I want to thank these Ministers. But for those that feel offended, the taste of the pudding is in the eating. The more luxury came after 2011 the picture is there, so we must desist from extravagance,” he said.