Zambia National Airline To Begin Operating In 2016
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Tags: Edgar Lungu
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Edgar Lungu says the government has made significant progress in establishing a national airline which is scheduled to start operating in 2016.
President Lungu in his parliamentary address this morning said the aviation sector had potential to contribute to tourism development, increased business and transformation of Zambia’s economy.
“In this regard, government has commenced the modernisation and upgrading of airport infrastructure which include international airports, provincial and selected district aerodromes at an estimated cost of 1.7 billion United States dollars.
Government has made significant progress in establishing a national airline which is scheduled to start operating in 2016. This will greatly promote business and tourism. In addition, new employment opportunities will be created,” President Lungu said.
And President Lungu said government had borrowed mainly to finance roads, energy and infrastructure as a long term investment that would spur accelerated economic development across sectors.
He said there had been concerns that Zambia was sliding back into the debt trap.
“For an economy that has grown from a USD 3 billion GDP in 2005 to a USD 28 billion today, we are well within the acceptable international threshold of 40 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product.
Enhanced economic development will create the needed capacity to meet our debt obligations.
To ensure that we repay our Eurobonds, government has established a sinking fund which is a special account for the sole purpose of meeting our Eurobond obligations as they fall due,” he said.
President Lungu said the price of mealie meal had continued to rise, robbing poor families of an opportunity to enjoy decent meals.
“In my interaction with ordinary people, I am always reminded of the difficulties that families go through each time the price of mealie-meal goes up.
Yes, I fully understand the frustrations of a farmer who works hard year in, year out, and still struggles to sell his or her produce and has to wait for months before getting paid.
I am also alive to the despair felt by young men and women constantly seeking, but not finding jobs,” he said.
On the Constitution, President Lungu reiterated that a referendum will be held alongside the 2016 general elections to address the contentious clauses.
On corruption, President Lungu said he will not protect anyone serving in the public service who will be found wanting on corruption.
He also pledged to have the Public Order Act amended.
