People masquerading as appointees can tarnish Rupiah’s image – Teta
Written by Lambwe Kachali
Monday, January 12, 2009 6:27:05 AM
MMD spokesperson Benny Tetamashimba yesterday disowned people that were using President Rupiah Banda's name to stay at a lodge in Lusaka without footing the bills, saying they do not belong to the party.
And Tetamashimba has asked Solwezi Municipal Council to provide appropriate reasons for failure to account for K400 million grants it received from the government for various developmental projects.
Briefing the press, Tetamashimba, who is also local government minister, said MMD had noted that people masquerading as appointees had the potential of tarnishing the image of both President Banda and the party.
Tetamashimba said following revelations by the media, a meeting was held to know whether such people belonged to MMD, and it was discovered that they did not.
He wondered why the police were reluctant to arrest them, saying they were alerted about the matter earlier.
"I do remember that the police were directed that these people should be arrested and I am surprised that these people have been enjoying the facilities for a month after we had raised alarm about it," Tetamashimba said.
On Friday acting inspector general of police Francis Kabonde said seven people from Ndola were being probed for using President Banda's name to continue staying at a named lodge in Lusaka's Chilenje area, on grounds that State House would pay the bills.
And Tetamashimba thanked The Post for bringing to the attention of the nation the failure by Solwezi council to account for huge amounts of taxpayers’ money.
He said although he had not officially received a report, he would travel to Solwezi today for more details.
Tetamashimba also said politicking in the Lusaka City Council should not be condoned because it was retrogressive.
He commended Patriotic Front (PF) president Michael Sata for allowing his councillors to approve the council budget.
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