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Zambians must unite on development - Chanda

Zambians must unite on development - Chanda
By Gift Chanda
Mon 12 Nov. 2012, 10:10 CAT

ZAMBIANS must unite and speak with one language on development, states Open Society Foundation executive director Sunday Chanda. In a press release issued on Saturday, Chanda stated that Zambians have a responsibility to redefine Zambia's story into a successful and dignified one but noted that called for working beyond political lines.

"Zambia must wean herself of detractors in order to give herself a respectable place in the global village of nations," he stated. "To do this means an emergence of a responsible and resolute opposition that rises above pettiness and bitterness."

He observed that Zambia can reach a point where politicians speak one language with faith in their country.

"Politicians must unite Zambians behind a national cause and we propose that government looks at South Africa's Heritage Day and come up with a day when all tribes and cultures come together to showcase their uniqueness and diversity," Chanda stated.

He stated that there was need to unite and rally behind a national development agenda that pays attention to key factors of economic growth such as harnessing the country's natural resources.

"We need to engage constructively the changing demographics and work towards realising a young, healthy, and skilled population, increasing urbanisation as well as availability of modern technology being mainstreamed in all development frameworks," he stated.

"The opposition must contribute, like Mitt Romney, to tangible proposals in ensuring that economic growth translates into more stable wage-paying jobs that are essential for fast poverty reduction and continued expansion of the middle class."

Chanda stated that a nation united in purpose can boost employment which requires targeted strategies implemented by the government and business leaders to spur growth in sectors with the greatest potential for job creation.

He urged opposition political parties to come on board in pushing Zambia's development agenda.

"The PF government is pragmatic about removing barriers to growth along specific industry value chains and put in place the right infrastructure, followed by a conducive business environment and workforce skills needed for the targeted industries to thrive," stated Chanda.

"If the PF government can manage to bring the private sector and civil society on board to rally behind its development agenda, the opposition might as well find other things to do to keep themselves busy.

If the opposition is only bent on frustrating government programmes targeted at making Zambia a better place, such as fighting to frustrate the 2013 National Budget, then time is here to derogate such a political party to the annals of history as another 'used to be'."

Labels: SUNDAY CHANDA

posted by MrK @ 4:29 PM