By Chinoyi Chipulu
President Hichilema will today address Parliament on the progress made in the application of Zambia’s national values and principles.
And Speaker of the National Assembly Nelly Mutti has ordered all members of Parliament not to take electronic gadgets such as phones into the chamber during the sitting.
Meanwhile, Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) has urged President Hakainde Hichilema to address the recent environmental pollution case on the Copperbelt, which has raised serious concerns about the responsible extraction of natural resources.
The president’s address is significant as it would highlight the government’s efforts in promoting morality, ethics, patriotism and national unity.
Today’s address is expected to provide an update on the progress made in implementing these initiatives and promoting National Values and Principles.
And Mutti directed against taking electronic gadgets into the chamber, saying the measure was necessary to avoid disturbances and security breaches.
And TIZ director Maurice Nyambe urged the President to commit his administration to holding the offending company Sino Metals Leach Zambia Limited accountable, ensuring adequate compensation for affected communities, and enforcing stricter environmental regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Nyambe said he was hopeful that the Head of State would clearly address concerns regarding the increasing use of out-of-court settlements at the state chambers, which was perceived as being manipulated to benefit individuals aligned with the ruling UPND.
He said he expected the President to commit his government to introduce transparency measures that would ensure that legal processes were not compromised for political or personal gain.
Nyambe said the President should also unconditionally outline his plan to publicly declare his assets, liabilities, and interests before the 2026 elections as well as commit to ensuring that all cabinet ministers and senior public officials do the same.
