Govt directs depts in N/Province to release vehicles for Rupiah's tour

Govt directs depts in N/Province to release vehicles for Rupiah's tour
By Lambwe Kachali in Lusaka and Patson Chilemba in Kasama
Wednesday October 08, 2008 [04:01]

The government has instructed heads of departments in Northern Province to release vehicles for logistical preparations ahead of Vice-President Rupiah Banda’s tour of the province.

According to a letter dated October 1, 2008 addressed to all heads of departments and signed by acting deputy permanent secretary Micah Zyambo, the Office of the President stated that vehicles should be released to controller of government transport by October 10, 2008.

“As you may be aware, His Excellency the Acting President shall tour Northern Province from 12th to 14th October, 2008. All addresses are therefore directed to release reliable vehicles to controller of government transport by 10th October, 2008 for logistical preparations. Your usual cooperation will be highly appreciated,” read the letter.
And another letter dated September 15, 2008 addressed to the principal of Lukashya Trades Institute, and signed by assistant provincial inspector of government transport Kebby Mtonga, the Office of the President requested for transport.

“The Acting President will be coming to Kasama this week. It is in this line that we are requesting for a Land Cruiser Hard Top for this programme. The vehicle will be required by Wednesday. Your support towards such programmes has always been appreciated,” read the letter.

But when contacted, Zyambo said although Vice-President Banda was on a political campaign tour in the Province, their vehicles would not be used for campaign activities.
Zyambo said it was their duty to use government vehicles only to welcome the head of state on his arrival.

“What we know as government is that we have to welcome the head of state at the airport and we cannot use private vehicles because that is a national duty. We have to distinguish political and government duties, and so, as government workers, we are not supposed to be involved in political campaigns,” said Zyambo. “But you don’t expect the permanent secretary and other government officials here to stay at home when the acting President is coming and therefore have to use government vehicles to welcome and even travel with him as he inspects government projects.”

Mtonga also echoed Zyambo’s sentiments
Mtonga said after welcoming Vice-President Banda, they would leave all political activities to politicians and that government vehicles would also be withdrawn.
Meanwhile, Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) director Danny Kalale said there was nothing wrong with using government vehicles during Vice-President Banda’s campaign tours because he was obliged under the Electoral Code of Conduct.
Kalale said Vice-President was free to use government resources 24 hours service.

“Section 7 (k) of the Electoral Code of Conduct is clear. This section prohibits the use of government vehicles for campaign purposes but this does not apply to the President or the Vice-President in connection with their respective offices,” he said.
Kalale also said Vice-President Banda’s entourage and other government officials could also use government vehicles as long as they were on duty.

“As you know, the President or Vice-President cannot move alone, and he cannot visit any district or province without government officials to welcome him. And you cannot expect people who travel or welcome him to be on foot. They have to use government vehicles because they are on duty. In this case, police officers and all government officials are allowed to use government resources as long they don’t conduct campaign activities,” he said.

However, Kalale said it would be an offence for officials to use government vehicles in the absence of the Vice-President.
Kalale said it was also an offence for government vehicles to be ferrying cadres at a political campaign rally.

“If a minister or any other official gets government vehicle and goes in the field to campaign, that is a serious offence under the Electoral Code of Conduct. But if they accompany the Vice-President, that is not wrong. It means they are on duty and can use such vehicles,” said Kalale.