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Zambians are frustrated with Rupiah’s govt – Habasonda

Zambians are frustrated with Rupiah’s govt – Habasonda
By George Chellah
Thu 17 Dec. 2009, 04:01 CAT

SOUTHERN African Centre for Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) executive director Lee Habasonda has observed that Zambians especially the grassroots are generally frustrated with President Rupiah Banda's government. In an interview, Habasonda said the people were dissatisfied with President Banda's government.

“Clearly most Zambians are disappointed that since President Banda took over government there hasn't been any forward-looking plan on how they intend to move forward in economic or political terms as well as a master plan in the energy sector,” he said.

He noted that currently there was just confusion.
“Politically as a ruling party MMD there is just confusion in there. Nobody is able to plan the political landscape. Instead of using the government machinery to lengthen their 2011 campaign they should be able to lay out the strategic plan,” Habasonda said. “Between now and 2011 the indicators and targets they want to achieve are not clear. Its like this period is a transition period for the leaders in government where they don't care what will happen afterwards.
“Politicians are just planning on which political move to make in 2011. Nobody is willing to look at the issues facing our people.”

Habasonda said people are fed up of political rhetoric.
“They want to see action especially that they government leaders have given themselves hefty salaries,” he said.

He challenged President Banda's government to show what they have done since they took over office.

“Let them point out what they have done as an administration since they took over and also where they are going and what indicators and targets they have set by 2011 because nobody knows them,” Habasonda said. “When you look at the constitution process its not clear whether it will be done by 2011, the Electoral Act also depends on the constitution, poverty is still high, the road infrastructure is worsening, it's so frustrating you know.”

He said the whole term after the death of president Mwanawasa seems to have been full of hot air.

“Generally there is a lot of frustration among the grassroots. I am not a government leader myself but I receive people asking for help,” Habasonda said. “The opposition also has not done a good job because the mood for people to listen to an alternative voice is very ripe.”

And Transparency International-Zambia (TIZ) executive director Goodwell Lungu equally observed that there has been a lot of political rhetoric so far.
“What we have seen missing is the actual action. For instance, when you talk of the fight against corruption there are certain practical actions that are supposed to be taken. There is need to move from the political mood and campaign of 2008,” Lungu said. “This is the time to show what they have done and they have to continue providing action.”

He advised the government to be open to criticisms.
“Where they do well we will come out in the open to commend, where they don't do well we will come out to offer the constructive criticism. Where they don't understand our operations let them contact us and ask,” he said.

He said the criticism offered to the government has been like offering love to the country.

“So far there has been mixed reaction to criticism, at times they take criticism positively and at times they over react,” he said.

On governance, Lungu said there are a number of issues, which have gone amiss.

“Like the court judgments, the government has come to defend certain positions,” he said.

He said TIZ feels that there was no need to continue with political rhetoric.
“The Zambian people are waiting to see what will happen after 2011,” said Lungu.

Labels: LEE HABASONDE, MMD, RUPIAH BANDA, SACCORD

posted by MrK @ 6:13 PM