Zambia: The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Force, Hakainde Hichilema, who belongs to the Republican Party, expressed his satisfaction with the Zambia Army’s dedication to supporting the government’s effort to improve the lives of the citizens.
He believes that the Army is a valuable strategic partner of the government in its efforts to enhance the well-being of the people.
President Hichilema says he is also impressed with the professional manner through which the Zambia Army conducted itself in the year ending 2023 and that the security being provided remains a critical component for national development.
In a speech read on his behalf by Minister of Defence Ambrose Lwiji Lufuma during the Army headquarters Officers’ annual ball, President Hichilema said the government also stands ready to support the Army’s growth and modernization programme through regular training of Officers and soldiers and acquisition of modern equipment.
“My government stands ready to support and motivate you men and women in uniform so as to enable you to diligently discharge your duties. In this regard, my government will ensure that the Army is transformed in line with the modern trends of welfare; this will enable you as an army to deal with various challenges and threats to security in the 21st century,” President Hichilema said.
President Hichilema said the government is determined to address the challenges faced by the Defence Force, among them equipment, accommodation, transport and manpower, which he added will enable them to discharge their tasks effectively once addressed.
President Hichilema, however, cautioned the Defence Force to stay away from corrupt activities, especially in the procurement value chain, urging the three services to adhere to the three principles in the procurement of goods and services.
President Hichilema has since directed the Defence Force to practice positive discrimination by ensuring it procures goods and services from local producers and suppliers while taking into consideration the three principles of procurement.
President Hichilema also directed the Defence Force to fully get engaged in the production of maize, value add, in order to enhance national food security.
Speaking earlier, the Commander of Zambia Army, Lieutenant General Sitali Dennis Alibuzwi, thanked the government for the financial and material support to the Army.
Lt Gen Alibuzwi said the support has enabled the Army to undertake its activities well, also stating that the government has been instrumental in funding the water reticulation projects, which are currently going on in various cantonments, while others are completed.
Lt Gen Alibuzwi said while paying allegiance to the government of the day and the people of Zambia, the Zambia Army is resolved to always come to the aid of the civil authorities whenever it is called upon, particularly in the construction of roads, bridges and other infrastructure, maize haulage, humanitarian aid, among others.
He said the Zambia Army will always endeavour to create a peaceful environment, an ingredient he added is key to foreign direct investment attraction in the country.
Meanwhile, the President of the Mess Committee, Colonel Justin Silwenga, called on officers and cooperating partners to come on board and supplement ComEd’s efforts in the construction of a new banquet hall at Buffalo Park.
The event was also attended by Ministers of Health, Tourism, Transport and Logistics, and for Lusaka Province, Sylvia Masebo, Rodney Sikumba, Frank Tayali and Sheal Mulyata, respectively, among other senior Government officials.
Also in attendance were service chiefs, former service Chiefs, deputy service chiefs, Diplomats, and heads of various institutions, among other dignitaries.