President Hakainde Hichilema says the government will increase the treasury revenue in an effort to expand social protection coverage and strengthen programmes such as the Social Cash Transfer and other initiatives. President Hichilema says the plan which will be achieved through…

President Hakainde Hichilema says the government will increase the treasury revenue in an effort to expand social protection coverage and strengthen programmes such as the Social Cash Transfer and other initiatives.

President Hichilema says the plan which will be achieved through the Grow Zambia Agenda is aimed at providing every citizen an opportunity for a decent and dignified life.

Speaking when he opened the first session of the 14th National Assembly, the President noted that the government will also improve the management of social-security schemes to enhance their efficiency, accountability and long-term sustainability.

He further stated his administration is broadening pension coverage, improving pension benefits and ensuring the timely payment of retirement benefits.

Meanwhile, the President highlighted the importance of including women to the decision-making table if the country is to attain sustainable development.

“We will continue to dismantle the structural and societal barriers which discriminate against women and other marginalised groups,” President Hichilema said.

And the Head of state noted that the government remains steadfast in empowering communities to identify their own priorities and drive local development, through the enhanced K40 million Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

On access to justice, the President reiterated the government’s commitment to serving the people by ensuring that justice is within the reach of every citizen, regardless of income, status or location.

“We will continue to strengthen people-centred justice by bringing legal services closer to communities, expanding legal aid, promoting alternative dispute resolution and making justice more timely, affordable and responsive,” he added.

President Hichilema further stated that the government has placed a high premium on service delivery across the country.

In order to improve public-sector performance, the President noted that the government will leverage decentralisation, digitalisation and innovation.

He said that additional government services will be integrated into ZamPortal and the Government Service Bus to make them more accessible, efficient and convenient.

With an objective to build an efficient, effective, accountable and results- oriented public service, President Hichilema stated efforts to reduce administrative barriers, enhance transparency and lower the cost of accessing government services.

“We will continue to strengthen local authorities and enable them to deliver services that meet the expectations of our citizens.

Further, we will improve the regulatory environment for business and investment, to support sustainable economic growth,” he indicated.

The Government is resolute in its pursuit of accountability, transparency and zero tolerance to corruption.

Apart from restoring the autonomy of oversight institutions and strengthening the capacity of law-enforcement and oversight agencies, President Hichilema said that the government has also made significant progress in combating corruption, economic crimes and financial misconduct.

He warned that there will be no sacred cows in the fight against corruption, as those who will engage in corrupt activities will face the law.