Government has defended the huge expenditure on the constitution-making process, saying the new republican Constitution should have all principles of democratic governance and also lay down a necessary legal foundation on which the country can be better governed.
And Norway has pledged its continued support to Zambia’s fight against corruption.
Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services Ronnie Shikapwasha said on Monday that Government does not regret the expenditure on the National Constitutional Conference.
“That is the reason why we have embarked on the constitution-making process, which may have turned out to be long and costly. But we strongly believe that no price is too high for charting a better tomorrow,” Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha said.
He was speaking when he graced the celebration to mark the Norwegian Constitutional Day, which falls on May 17.
Gen Shikapwasha said the longevity of the Norwegian Constitution is an inspiration to young democracies like Zambia.
He said Zambia appreciates Norway’s development assistance over the years through bilateral and multilateral mechanisms.
Gen Shikapwasha also said it is pleasing that Norway is concerned about climate change and is making tremendous efforts aimed at prodding the world towards reaching a legally binding agreement soon.
He said Africa will be hardest hit if governments fail to act.
“The most worrying fact is that it is the developed world which fully acknowledges the tragedy that is likely to happen to Africa and other regions of the developing world. But it is the developing world which is most reluctant to urgently undertake the required measures to mitigate the harrowing effects of climate change,” he said.
Gen Shikapwasha, who is also Chief Government Spokesperson, said Zambia is ready to join any international initiative designed to slow down and subsequently reduce negative effects of climate change within the foreseeable future.
Earlier, Norwegian Ambassador to Zambia Tore Gjos said his country is willing to provide financial and technical assistance to the establishment of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) hosted by the Bank of Zambia.
Mr Gjos said the FIU will provide an important contribution to the fight against corruption in all its forms.
He commended Zambia for remaining peaceful amid conflicts and for playing an influential role in the fight for the liberation of her neighbours.
Mr Gjos also said Zambia’s democracy is currently at a crossroad when it comes to focusing on freedom of speech.
He said Norway has for the last few years been engaged in supporting reforms in the fiscal regime and Government capacity through mining tax modelling and pilot audits of the largest mining companies in Zambia.
Mr Gjos said Norway strongly supports the resumed work of the Doha Development Round in the World Trade Organisation.
He also said he is disappointed with the outcome of climate change negotiations held in Copenhagen last year.
Mr Gjos said this is because no global agreement was reached.
He said Norway is taking a lead in the initiative aimed at reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries.
Mr Gjos said Norway is arranging a summit in Oslo next week to reach an agreement, which will later be confirmed at the summit in Mexico.
[ Zambia Daily Mail ]
|-) nothing sensible comes out of this man’s mouth |-)|-)|-)|-)
This gathering has been a waste of time and taxpayers money, come 2011 a reasonable explanation will be required not what this fellow is trying to justfy.
Bakulu ba mpuno zikulu, like a gizzard of a mukombwe….@-)@-)@-)@-)
The NCC has been a waste of time and money. Can Chi Shikapwasha pick out any meaningful outcome from the shameful quango?The next government should instead revert to the old constitution if the Movement for Mumfumbwe Disaster goes ahead with the silly amendments
This guy is just a quack! Never listen to anything he says coz he is so misleading in his statements
You can justify your expenses, but if your people continue to die of hunger, just how just are you! Zambia is not only for you who are in power; but for every Zambian ,what justification is there when people cannot manage two meals a day and not able to send their children to college or university; any explanation cannot make any sence
When i become President, i too will review the constitution! Every fellow wants to this…is it because we never do right always??? Massive personal interest maybe?? Zed….
Just put the whole damn country up for sale! You’ve failed to run the damn thing! Zambia is a tragic comedy! RB will be succeeded by Sata! And you want to call this a transformation! My foot!