Maravi

CSPR welcomes Rupiah’s promises

CSPR welcomes Rupiah’s promises
Written by Maluba Jere
Thursday, November 06, 2008 6:52:59 AM

THE Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) has said it will hold President Rupiah Banda accountable to his inauguration speech on promises made to improve people's living conditions.

In its congratulatory message to President Banda, CSPR programme officer for information management and networking Ivy Mutwale said President Banda's inauguration speech if well implemented would improve the welfare of the Zambian people.

Mutwale said as an immediate focus, CSPR expected to see the promises reflected in the 2009 national budget in line with the priorities set out in the Fifth National Development Plan.

"...in this regard, we shall hold the President accountable to his inauguration speech and look forward to a prosperous and confident Zambia in which all of its people enjoy all basic needs," she said.

Mutwale assured the nation that CSPR would continue focusing on monitoring the implementation of poverty reduction programmes and policies meant to benefit Zambians.

"The Civil Society for Poverty Reduction congratulates Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda on his election as Zambia's fourth Republican President," she said. "The inauguration speech in which he promised to improve the living conditions of Zambians irrespective of political affiliation, brought out many issues which, if implemented will improve the welfare of the Zambian people."

She also said CSPR was specifically happy with and would monitor implementation of promises on health, education, agriculture, water and sanitation sectors and infrastructure development which she said ensured direct benefits to the people and could help the country attain the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015.

She further said CSPR supported investment in sectors such as manufacturing, mining and tourism but added that this investment must also ensure protection of the ordinary Zambian worker and equitable distribution of wealth.

"Indeed, investment without protective laws for the citizens will only breed oppression," Mutwale said. "We therefore agree with the President and implore him to ensure that the labour laws are not only stiffened but that they are also strictly adhered to."

She said CSPR also supported the continued fight against corruption saying it was an enemy to poverty reduction efforts.

Mutwale called for continued peace and unity as the country worked towards a poverty free Zambia.

Labels: CSPR, RUPIAH BANDA

posted by MrK @ 6:54 AM