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Hatontola trashes Rupiah’s continued claims over Zambian economy

Hatontola trashes Rupiah’s continued claims over Zambian economy
By Chibaula Silwamba
Sat 17 Apr. 2010, 04:30 CAT

SOUTH Africa-based Zambian management consultant Patrick Hatontola yesterday trashed President Rupiah Banda’s continued claims that he kept the Zambian economy afloat during the world economic meltdown.

Commenting on President Rupiah Banda and MMD’s handling of national affairs, Hatontola observed that the government had failed to improve the welfare of Zambians.

Hatontola, who is chief executive officer for Nelpats (SA) (Pty) Limited, observed that Zambia only experienced secondary effects of the global economic meltdown hence it was illogical for President Banda to claim credit.

“As a cash economy, Zambia was not directly affected by the global meltdown though it experienced secondary effects spilling over from directly affected economies. These setbacks included either limited donor aid or reduced trade in copper, Zambia’s main mined commodity,” Hatontola said.

He said it was irresponsible for the MMD to claim that it managed the economy when trickle down effects of the economy on the population were invisible.

“If MMD managed to handle the economy in those difficult and troubled times, why are they failing to do so now when the environment is more enabling?” Hatontola asked.

He said the MMD under President Banda had destroyed the energy sector.

“Sadly, it is a fallacy for Mr Banda to claim of championing economic growth when he has failed to manage this energy sector efficiently,” Hatontola said.

He urged Patriotic Front (PF) leader Michael Sata and United Party for National Development (UPND) leader Hakainde Hichilema of the PF-UPND pact to address poverty in the event that they form government next year.

“The people of Zambia need passable roads, education and the healthcare system of the 21st Century if we are to boast of any economic growth. We need a Zambia in which health care and education are both accessible and affordable to all regardless of their political affiliation and status in society,” said Hatontola.

Labels: ENERGY, PATRICK HATONTOLA, RUPIAH BANDA

posted by MrK @ 5:01 PM