Appreciate govt’s efforts - Ronnie

Appreciate govt’s efforts - Ronnie
By Misheck Wangwe
Sat 08 Jan. 2011, 04:01 CAT

THE congestion on the roads in Lusaka is a sign that the government is creating wealth for the people, according to Lieutenant General Ronnie Shikapwasha.

Featuring on Radio Phoenix’s Let The People Talk programme yesterday, Lt Gen Shikapwasha, the chief government spokesperson and information minister, said the MMD government under President Rupiah Banda had done a lot to improve people’s livelihood.

“If you pass through the roads in Lusaka, there is a congestion on vehicles which is a sign that government is creating wealth for its people and the country. President Banda’s administration has come up with several developmental programmes that are touching the lives of citizens,” Lt Gen Shikapwasha said.

He said the government had embarked on infrastructure development programmes such as building schools and health institutions around the country.

Lt Gen Shikapwasha said people should appreciate the government’s commitment to national development.

Lt Gen Shikapwasha maintained that anyone calling for the secession of Western Province would be committing treason.

But economist Bob Sichinga said the influx of vehicles on the streets was not a sign of economic growth.

Sichinga, who featured on the same programme, said although it was commendable that the government had put more resources for infrastructure development in this year’s budget and recorded considerable economic growth in the country, there was need to ensure that the growth translated into tangible human integral development.

“You can have growth like the current eight per cent. It’s not the highest in the region but it’s positive growth. But you can have growth without development unless people are able to have money in their pockets,” Sichinga said.

He also said the Barotseland Agreement of 1964 was a good document because it emphasised on devolving power so that the people could have a greater say in governance issues.

He said the aspirations of the people in Western Province and other parts of the country must be listened to.

Sichinga said there was no reason for the government to threaten the people who were calling for the recognition of the Barotseland Agreement.

“I don’t agree with government that this issue should not be discussed. We need to discuss the Barotse Agreement, resolve it and close the issue. I agree with government though that we cannot do it in anarchy. I totally condemn violence,” said Sichinga.