Maravi

Kunda backs Rupiah to rule after 2011

Kunda backs Rupiah to rule after 2011
Written by Justin Katilungu in Serenje
Saturday, May 23, 2009 7:51:49 AM

VICE-President George Kunda has declared that he supports President Rupiah Banda's ambition to rule Zambia even after the 2011 general elections. Addressing a poorly attended rally at Kaunda Square Grounds in Serenje on Friday, Vice-President Kunda described President Banda as a good man and leader who should be supported in his duties as head of state.

"I want to put on record that we shall continue to support President Banda to ensure that he governs Zambia effectively; we shall also continue to support all his ambitions so that he can continue to govern this country even after 2011," Vice-President Kunda told the gathering that largely comprised children.

He said President Banda had a vision for Zambia and that he was a good man who deserved support by every well-meaning citizen.

"Those of us who work closely with him in Cabinet know that President Banda has a vision for this country," Vice-President Kunda said.

The Vice-President thanked Serenje residents for overwhelmingly voting

for President Banda in the October 2008 elections.

"We thank you greatly for supporting the election of President Banda," he said.

And Vice-President Kunda reaffirmed government's vigour to fighting corruption stressing that measures were being put in place to strengthen the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

He declared that government was committed to zero tolerance on the vice and that a policy had been formulated in that regard.

"We shall intensively fight corruption by strengthening the ACC; we want to root out this vice. We are also looking at ways and means to creating a financial intelligent unit in our quest to fighting corruption," Vice-President Kunda said.

He cautioned civil servants against engaging in corrupt activities, saying they should instead help the government to implement developmental projects aimed at improving the welfare of Zambians.

Vice-President Kunda said the government was committed to fostering development in the country and that he toured Serenje to inspect several initiatives taking place.

He also announced that the government had relaxed conditions of accessing the Citizens Economic Empowerment Fund (CEEF).

Vice-President Kunda said those willing to access K10 million up to K50 million would no longer require to provide collateral but that they should show proof of a viable project and proof of ability to repay.

He said the fund was meant to empower youths, women and other citizenry.

The Vice-President also announced that government had in this year's national budget increased Constituency Development Fund (CDF) from K400 million to K600 million in its quest to fostering development.

Information minister Lieutenant General Ronnie Shikapwasha accompanied Vice-President Kunda who is on a four-day tour of Central Province.

Others in the entourage are deputy ministers for agriculture and education Albert Mulonga and Clement Sinyinda respectively and MMD deputy national secretary Jeff Kande.

Labels: GEORGE KUNDA, MMD, PRESIDENCY, RUPIAH BANDA

posted by MrK @ 6:54 AM