ZAMBIA
Zambian President Edgar Lungu (pictured) has urged Public Servants in procurement positions to “resist the temptation” of bribes from foreign organisations seeking Government contracts.
“Those of you who are privileged to participate in procurement, always think of your country before awarding that contract,” Mr Lungu said.
“I know that some contractors, especially foreign ones, want to tempt you so that they are awarded contracts. Resist the temptation. Zambia comes first.”
He also noted that few people were apolitical or did not feel politically inclined.
“All I can say to you on this matter is that as long as you are a Civil Servant, stay away from politics and do your work. Your personal inclination should not influence your performance; reserve that for the Election Day when you go to vote,” Mr Lungu said.
“Politics will not only cause poor implementation of Government programs because you do not believe in them; it will sabotage implementation of programs.”
The President asked Ministries and Departments to encourage their public relations units to “speak out, and speak well” of Government programs and projects.
He said the Government was implementing austerity measures, which meant less travel, especially by officers based in in the capital, Lusaka. This meant more responsibilities for those on the ground.
“These officers should take charge of monitoring and implementation of projects around them. They must not neglect projects just because they believe they belong to a Ministry in Lusaka. Projects belong to them.”
He complained of Public Servants failing to serve the public diligently.
“In the private sector we do not see late-coming; we see employees who report early for work, are committed to duty, are hardworking and meet their targets,” he said.
“Contrast this with the Public Service where it is common to see people reporting for work late; spending most of the time on personal business, and knocking off early to continue with personal business.”
Lusaka, 4 August, 2019
