By Ruth Chayinda
President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA says Government is working on phase two of the debt restructuring programme aimed at reducing Zambia’s annual debt servicing payments to below 900 million dollars.
President HICHILEMA says the restructuring has created fiscal space, allowing Government to channel more resources into key economic and social sectors to improve the lives of citizens.
He says funding to several sectors has increased, including Small and Medium Enterprise SME- development, which has risen from 20 million kwacha in 2021 to 515 million kwacha.
The President said this during the swearing-in ceremony of Health Minister ALEX KATAKWE, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Minister MALAMA MUFUNELO, and Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary TUESDAY BWALYA.
Meanwhile, President HICHILEMA has directed the newly appointed Health Minister to ensure the distribution of medicines and medical equipment to health facilities across the country.
He said medicines and equipment should not remain in ZAMMSA warehouses but must be delivered to clinics and health centres where they are needed.
The President said the availability of medicines must result in better access for patients, including access to diagnostic services.
President HICHILEMA also directed that vaccines and medicines be delivered even to the remotest parts of the country so that citizens can access health services regardless of where they live.
The President has further tasked SME Development Minister MALAMA MUFUNELO with ensuring that citizens have access to resources to start and grow businesses.
He said there must be a transparent system that allows all citizens to access funding opportunities regardless of their location.
And President HICHILEMA directed Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary TUESDAY BWALYA to ensure the smooth implementation of Government programmes.
