Maravi

Poverty in Zambia is a mockery, says Mwaliteta

Poverty in Zambia is a mockery, says Mwaliteta
By Edwin Mbulo in Livingstone
Sun 01 Apr. 2012, 12:59 CAT

WE have not come to loot but to serve Zambians who voted for change because they want transformation of their lives, says Obvious Mwaliteta. Addressing Livingstone councillors on Friday, Mwaliteta, who is Southern Province minister, said poverty in Zambia was artificial as many people have been made richer on other people's misery.

"People voted for change because they wanted a change in their lives…We PF have not come to benefit but serve the people who voted for us because they want a change in their lives," Mwaliteta said.

He said the PF wants to pay back to the people of Zambia by alleviating poverty.

Mwaliteta told the mainly opposition council that with the coming by-elections, councillors needed to vote for the PF as the party leaders were servants of the people who need a service.

"This poverty is artificial, poverty has made others rich. When Sichifulo people demand for relief food, others get rich over the food. That is how bad Zambia has become as others benefit over others' suffering," he said.

Mwaliteta who also addressed council workers said there was need for change of altitude by the local authority so that people gain confidence in the civic leaders.

"The PF government is pro-poor government which needs transparency, dedication and hard work. If you want to be a thief in future start stealing now, if you want to be a drunkard start drinking now, let us change and not be greedy. The fight against corruption should not be with the government alone," Mwaliteta said.

He said Livingstone needed an intercity bus terminus and a modern market and the finance minister was waiting for the bill of quantities from the council.

"The issue of vendors is quite a sensitive issue as it is our people who are trading on the streets. President Sata did not say they should stay on the streets forever, we need to find solutions by building a modern market," said Mwaliteta.

And Livingstone mayor Aggrey Njekwa appealed to the government to constitute a Local Government Commission to resolve most of the council staffing problems.

And Shungu ward councillor Simasinti Simasinti complained that chief Mukuni was demarcating and allocating council land without council approval.

Labels: LIVINGSTONE, POVERTY, SOUTHERN PROVINCE

posted by MrK @ 2:03 PM