Lungu swears in first ministers
President Edgar Lungu has sworn-in the first eight members of his new Cabinet and ten provincial ministers.
These include Defense Minister Davies Chama, Finance Minister Felix Mutati, Home Affairs Minister Seven Kampyongo, Foreign Affairs Minister Harry Kalaba and Health Minister Dr. Chitalu Chilufya.
Others that have been sworn-in are Commerce Minister Margaret Mwanakatwe, Minister of National Development and Planning Lucky Mulusa and Minister of Labor Joyce Nonde-Simukoko.
President Lungu has also sworn 10 provincial Ministers who include Sydney Mushanga for Central Province, Bowman Lusambo for Copperbelt Province and Nixon Chilangwa for Luapula Province.
Others are Malozo Sichone for Muchinga Province, Brian Mundubile for Northern Province, Makebi Zulu for Eastern Province, Japhen Mwakalombe for Lusaka Province, Richard Kapita for North Western Province, Edify Hamukale for Southern Province and Nathaniel Mubukwanu for Western Province.
And speaking this morning during the swearing-in ceremony at State House, President Lungu says the next five years will determine whether the people will decide to maintain the PF in office beyond 2021.
He says it is important that the members of his working team work according to the expectations of the people and deliver the much needed development across the country.
The Head of State says this is not the time to make speeches but rather work in accordance with the campaign promises.
He has advised the ministers not to hesitate to consult on matters that they are not sure of if they are to make in their respective positions.
And to the Provincial Ministers, President Lungu has advised them to work hand in hand with traditional leaders so that they understand fully the challenges the people are facing.
He says previously, he was receiving reports of some Provincial Ministers quarrelling with chiefs saying this should not be the case now.
He has since warned that he does not want to make reshuffles or dismiss some members due to non performing and thus the need for them to work hard and develop the nation.