Below are some of the key points by the President:
✅He reminded controlling officers that their commitment, dedication, sacrifice and self-control are crucial for serving the public interest.
✅The President emphasised the necessity of dedication and love for the people served by public servants, stating that without such love, effective outcomes are unattainable.
✅Accountability was highlighted by the President, urging controlling officers to report on the responsible utilisation of resources under their control to the owners of these resources, the people.
✅At the midpoint of the New Dawn Government, the President prompted controlling officers to assess their performance by examining outcomes and achievements.
✅The focus for 2024 was redefined as economic expansion and growth to generate jobs, business opportunities and social support, despite challenges like debt and legislative amendments.
✅A shift from consumption expenditure was directed by the President, emphasising the need to allocate more resources to the people.
✅Lowering costs in public procurement was emphasised, urging buying at the right prices and expediting tender procedures to free up resources for revenue and growth opportunities.
✅President Hakainde Hichilema provided an example of cost savings in the Lusaka-Ndola road project, emphasising the potential for redirecting these savings to civil service credit facilities and other revenue-generating ventures.
✅A call to end Cholera was made, with the President advocating for medium and long-term investment measures to prevent its recurrence.
✅Assurances were given that resources saved would contribute to fighting Cholera through improved sanitation and other measures.
✅The President expressed satisfaction with the response to the call for families to farm at least a hectare of land, noting the depletion of seed and fertilizer stocks in shops.
✅A Presidential decree lowered interest rates on agriculture credit window usage to 9%, emphasising the need to shift from consumption to investment for job creation.
✅CDF utilisation at 56.9% was deemed insufficient for economic growth, prompting a call for effective public resource utilisation.
✅A paradigm shift and mindset change were called for among public officers to align with the New Dawn Government’s agenda of economic reconstruction, development, job creation and cost control.
✅Technology use for efficient services was encouraged, emphasising inclusivity in public procurement.
✅Calls were made for equity and fairness in employment, shared vision and teamwork for a unified effort under the banner of One Zambia, One Nation, One People.
✅ The President encouraged more fish farming in specific provinces and instructed the Secretary to the Cabinet to circulate standard models and Bill of Quantities for construction.
✅ Resource mapping was called for to aid decision-making and improve investment opportunities.
✅The President announced forthcoming changes in the law to prevent Zambians from selling mining licenses to foreigners, ensuring resources are reinvested in the country.
✅ Coordination in government was stressed, with a warning of consequences for non-delivery.
THURSDAY 19TH JANUARY ,2024
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