Former Vice President Enoch Kavindele has issued a clarion call for unified support towards the UPND government’s efforts in addressing the prolonged dry spell threatening food security across the country.
In a recent statement, Mr. Kavindele emphasized that blame should not be directed at the government, asserting that the current situation is a consequence of natural forces rather than the actions of the present leadership.
“Government should not be blamed because what has happened is a result of forces of nature and not the doing of the current leadership,” Mr. Kavindele stated.
However, he underscored the crucial role of government in responding effectively to the disaster to prevent any loss of life due to hunger. Expressing confidence in the government’s capabilities, Mr. Kavindele assured the public that necessary measures are being taken to address the crisis.
Having witnessed similar drought situations during his tenure, notably in 1992 under President Frederick Chiluba and in 2002 as Vice President under President Levy Mwanawasa, Mr. Kavindele offered strategic recommendations for disaster management.
He advocated for the establishment of specialized committees led by Ministers to oversee aid mobilization, logistics, and distribution. Mr. Kavindele proposed the formation of a committee on aid mobilization to coordinate assistance from various countries and partners.
Furthermore, he suggested the creation of two additional committees to manage logistics and distribution effectively, ensuring that aid reaches the most vulnerable populations, particularly in rural areas.
In a bid to safeguard against potential mismanagement and corruption, Mr. Kavindele emphasized the inclusion of security wings in the distribution process. He cautioned against the exploitation of free aid by unscrupulous individuals, including high-ranking government officials.
Reflecting on past experiences, Mr. Kavindele recalled President Chiluba’s decisive action in 1992, where two ministers were dismissed for exploiting the food crisis for personal gain. He urged the current government to remain vigilant and proactive in preventing corruption during relief efforts.
As Zambia grapples with the challenges posed by the dry spell, Mr. Kavindele’s insights serve as a timely reminder of the importance of effective governance, collaboration, and accountability in mitigating the impacts of natural disasters and safeguarding the well-being of all citizens.
I am sure Kavindele has been promised something towards his railway line. Mr. Kavindele, you are dealing with Mr. Promise here who does not fulfill. HH told the Zambian people that he has ended load shedding one year in office and sold all the maize reserves. This is what people are talking about. No one is blaming anyone for the dry spell but people are questioning this government on what did they base their lies. People are still waiting for Gary Nkombo to build the canal from Chembe river in to the Zambezi in order to end load shedding. He said while in opposition that it is very easy.
Give them time men. No one in this world can do all things at once, even the almighty God took time to create the world.
Mr Kavindele is a very objective gentleman.
God will always strike those with ill intensions. Our leaders should take the current situation as a warning against their reckl3ss behaviour and lack of appriciation to God given resources. 2H is playing out what we suspected from the beginning and as the saying goes, “Let right be done” otherwise the ancestors will unleash misery upon you.