- Parliament approves ministry changes to boost efficiency, drive Grow Zambia
FANNY KALONDA,
MATHEWS MALAZIKA
Lusaka
PARLIAMENT has approved President Hakainde Hichilema’s proposal to establish, merge and dissolve government ministries in a move aimed at improving efficiency, strengthening accountability and accelerating implementation of the Grow Zambia Agenda.
The motion, moved by Vice President Mutale Nalumango, who is Leader of Government Business in the National Assembly, was put to the House by Speaker Nelly Mutti yesterday, with the majority of lawmakers supporting the proposal.
Mrs Nalumango outlined the proposed changes, which include dissolving the ministries of Energy; Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development; Commerce, Trade and Industry; Lands and Natural Resources; and Youth, Sport and Arts.
The new structure provides for ministries responsible for Trade and Export, Industry, Electricity, Petroleum, Infrastructure and Urban Development, Housing, Lands, Skills and Higher Education, Youth and Sports, and Culture and Arts.
She said several ministries will remain unchanged, including Defence; Home Affairs and Internal Security; Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; Finance and National Planning; Agriculture; Fisheries and Livestock; and Mines and Minerals Development.
Other ministries retaining their existing structures include Tourism; Transport and Logistics; Water Development and Sanitation; Green Economy and Environment; Health; Information and Media; Education; and Technology and Science.
They also include Justice; Labour and Social Security; Local Government and Rural Development; and Community Development and Social Services.
Mrs Nalumango clarified that some functions will be transferred between ministries, even where their names remain unchanged, to ensure government responsibilities are aligned with national development priorities.
She said dedicated ministries for Electricity and Petroleum are important in responding to changing energy demands and supporting economic growth.
“Therefore, you need a ministry that will be looking at innovative ways of continuous generation and transmission and, indeed, availing electricity,” she said.
Mrs Nalumango also said Culture and Arts should be viewed beyond traditional practices, describing the sector as an economic opportunity capable of attracting tourists and creating jobs.
Monze East Member of Parliament Jack Mwiimbu supported the motion, describing it as non-controversial and consistent with the Grow Zambia Agenda. https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home
