President Rupiah Banda has urged the Zambia Army to be vigilant and preserve the peace as the country heads for the 2011 tripartite elections.
President Banda said election years are critical because of people’s high expectation and desperation.
He urged the army to be watchful and alert because it is during elections that the security of the nation is often at risk.
The President said this in a speech read for him by Defense Minister Kalombo Mwansa during the Color Consecration parade at Luena Barracks in Kaoma .
President Banda who was present at the event was not able to address the parade because of loss of voice due to a cough.
President Banda said voters would be looking to the men and women in uniform to preserve and uphold conditions of peace and safety in the communities, districts and provinces.
He said the lives of the citizenry were always far more important than political options.
The President urged them to look out for children, women, the aged, the disabled and other vulnerable persons in 2011.
President Banda implored them to begin to see themselves as parents of the people of Zambia and work for all citizens without fear or favour and above all do their work with faith and hope in the lord Jesus Christ.
The 5th Battalion of the Zambia Regiment was established in 1979 but has only been presented with colours today.
The Battalion unit has a rich history with important accomplishments realized by both present and past service men and women.
Army Commander Lieutenant General Wisdom Lopa said the consecration of colours on Luena Barracks is yet another milestone in the history of the Zambia Army.
He said the event was long overdue as the battalion was formed over 30 years ago.
The President also promised that government would improve conditions of service and facilities for the army.
He said this will help boost moral in the army.
President Banda implored the Zambia Army to be always mindful of the changing trends in defence and security.
President Banda said defence and security trends have changed over the years noting that the way they were handled twenty years ago is not the same as today.
He noted that today’s challenges of defence include terrorism, drug trafficking, human trafficking, natural disasters, food insecurity, HIV/AIDS and poverty all of which require the attention of the Army.
The President said realities of nature, place new demands on all officers in the 5th battalion of the Zambia Regiment and this calls for constant review of approaches and methods in preserving the peace and security of the country.
He further called for frequent retraining of all officers so that everyone is kept informed and up to date with new ways and means of handling today’s defence and security.
Mr. Banda said the well being of men and women in uniform requires a review of conditions of service, new housing units, more and better transport, new and modern equipment, renovation of rundown infrastructure, recruitment of more staff as well as further training to sharpen professionalism.
The president further said the people of Zambia and the Government appreciate deeply the unquestionable dedication of all Army officers who have secured boarders since 1964 stressing that it was no small achievement.
And army commander Wisdom Lopa thanked government for the support rendered to the army even during the global crisis.
Meanwhile President Banda left for Lusaka. The Presidential Chopper left Kaoma Airstrip at about 16:03 hours.
