By Merlyn Mwanza
Some sacrifices will be hard to stomach, says Republican President Hakainde Hichilema.
In his address to the nation for 2022, President Hichilema told Zambians that change does not come easily as it takes hard work, concerted effort and sacrifice.
“Some sacrifices will be hard to stomach but will pay off in due course. Just as Rome was not built in a day our collective effort to rebuild our country will take some time. But like the ancient Romans, with unity of purpose sharing a vision we shall rebuild our country into a model of success for many generations to come,” President Hichilema said. “We must also commit ourselves to doing more for our country in the coming year in order to uplift the living standards for all our Zambians.”
He said 2021 will be remembered as a year the people of Zambia rose up and ushered in a new dawn, saying in the years leading up to this momentous occasion “our nation was afflicted by corruption, tribalism, cadreism, debt and a break down in the rule of law and poor leadership.”
“2021 was an inflection point to turn from despair to hope, from division to unity, from inequality to equity, from social economic and political bondage to freedom. Freedom is truly here and there is no turning back,” President Hichilema said. “In 2022 and the years to come we have a lot of work to do, work to turn around an economy that was broken, work to create jobs and opportunities and work to lift the living standards of all our fellow Zambians. This is the change that Zambians desire and the change that we are working to achieve.”
He said in 2022 the first budget of the UPND era will come into full effect, with money being taken to the communities, children going to school without paying tuition fees, retirees receiving their benefits and many more.
President Hichilema said in 2021 Zambia lost its founding father Dr Kenneth Kaunda, saying the nation was eternally grateful for his life and contribution to this country.
“We have a golden opportunity for a fresh start, we have restored our rule of law and our rights and freedoms. We have restored Zambia’s image in the eyes of the world and are embarking on robust economic diplomacy that will bring more investment that will grow our economy,” he said.
The President said the country’s natural resources will be managed for the prosperity of Zambians.
“We must love and cherish this nation with all its people. Our collective goal must be for a united, peaceful and prosperous Zambia. As a new dawn administration we will ensure that you our fellow citizens enjoy better public services,” said President Hichilema. “Dear citizens let hard work be our way of life. Let it be a source of our pride and our future prosperity. We must all resolve to do more for our country. Together we must create a Zambia we all must be proud of.”
